HBV

HBV hepatitis B virus.

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HBV

abbr.

hepatitis B virus

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HBV,

abbreviation for hepatitis B virus. See hepatitis B.

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Patient discussion about HBV.

Q. Can hepatitis pass from mother to her baby? I got hepatitis B when I was given blood in a hospital somewhere in the far east. I’m now pregnant with a baby boy, and I’m a bit worried- Will he also get HBV? I heard that mothers wit HBV must undergo cesarean section instead of regular birth- Is that right? I must add that my liver is fine and I don’t have any active disease at the moment, and so far the pregnancy is OK without any problems. I heard a lot about the importance of breast feeding, and really want to breastfeed him after he’ll be born. Will that be possible?

A. The man is the reservoir and sole source of infection of this virus. this virus is transmitted only through contact with blood (transfusions, needles, syringes, tattoos, insect bites, etc.). It is known that can be transmitted through oral and genital (semen, vaginal secretions, saliva. It can be transmitted from mother to child, carrying the virus who become pregnant, during pregnancy or childbirth.

Q. Do I have hepatitis? I'm volunteering in a shelter for homeless people, and there are many drug addicts there. Yesterday, as I was serving them food one of the residents of the shelter (who I know to be a long term drug addict that uses heroine) coughed and expelled blood on my bare hands (apparently he had some lung disease). Do I now have hepatitis? I know that it's very common among drug addicts, and that it's transmitted through blood contact. I checked my hands and I didn't have any wounds or scratches, but I heard the virus can infect you even if you don't have any wound, is that right?

A. If I was in your situation, I'd still go to see a doctor just to make sure everything is OK, and check my status now. it's not even sure the guy had hepatitis, and even in case of needle stab, most of the people don't eventually get hepatitis.