Continuing the discussion from Sexual relationship with non infected partner:
I am new here my name is Frank. My partner has just being confirmed with having Hep B and possibly infected at birth. I myself had Hep.C many years ago and received immediate treatment and fully recovered. Does having had Hep.C prevent me from contacting Hep.B from my partner during intercourse. Thanks Frank.
Hi @Dealcourtman52 . No, unfortunately having had hep C does nothing for immunity to hep B, as they are completely different viruses. The best way to protect yourself is to get tested with the triple panel to see if you are still susceptible to hep B infection, and if so, get the vaccine.
HCV and HBV are very different viruses (I joke that they are like a peach and a toaster–both are found in the kitchen but that’s their only similarity). Consequently immunity against HCV has no effect on HBV.
Fortunately, you can protect yourself by being vaccinated against HBV. As you are in a high risk category for transmission due to being intimate with a HBV+ partner, I recommend getting your anti-HBs antibody levels checked after vaccination to ensure they are high enough to protect you. The vaccine is safe and highly effective (it is one of the best vaccines ever developed!), but ~5% of people do not make high enough antibodies after vaccination (I’m a non-responder). I also recommend using condoms until you have HBs antibody levels confirmed to be above the threshold. Your physician will guide you though interpreting these data.
I wish you and your partner the best.
John.
Triple panel. What are they?
Thanks
Triple panel is a test that tests for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb, or anti-HBs), and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb, or anti-HBc).
It is designed to tell you not only whether you have hepatitis B, but also if you’re immune, susceptible, or have previously been exposed.