** See a doctor who tests for hepatitis B. **

Get Tested

Ask your doctor for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and surface antibody (anti-HBs) tests for both yourself and your family. These are not included in routine physical examination blood tests and must be requested. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor for the HBsAg test to see whether you are infected with hepatitis B.

Click here for a list of clinics in San Francisco offering free and low cost testing and vaccination.

Get Vaccinated

If both your blood tests (HBsAg and anti-HBs) are negative, you have not been infected with hepatitis B. Get the 3-shot hepatitis B vaccination series to protect yourself for life from future infection. All newborns should receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

Click here for a list of clinics in San Francisco offering free and low cost testing and vaccination.

Get Treated

Not all people chronically infected with hepatitis B need treatment. However, if your blood levels of ALT are elevated ongoing liver damage may be occurring. Treatment with either lamivudine, adefovir or entecavir (a pill taken once a day) or a course of interferon shots may be appropriate in this situation. These are the only four FDA-approved pills for chronic hepatitis B. Appropriate management can reduce the risk of further liver damage and liver cancer.

People chronically infected with hepatitis B can enjoy completely normal lives, but need to take some necessary precautions to avoid further liver damage.

1. Get the hepatitis A vaccine.
2. Avoid drinking alcohol.
3. Do not share toothbrushes, razors, injection or tattoo needles to avoid transmitting HepB to others because they may be tainted with blood.
4. Ensure that all members of your household are tested and vaccinated if they are not already immunized.
5. If you are uncertain whether your partner is protected, the proper use of latex condoms is recommended.