Plattsburgh, NY

                                                                                                                                                                         

HEPATITIS B

             


Hepatitis B Information

 Hepatitis B is a communicable disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is found in blood and certain body fluids. Hepatitis B is spread when a person who is not immune comes in contact with blood or body fluid from an infected person. Hepatitis B is spread by having sex with an infected person without a condom, sharing needles or "works" when "shooting" drugs, needle sticks or sharps exposures in a health care setting, or from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal birth. Exposure to blood in ANY situation can be a risk for transmission. Between 5,000 and 6,000 Americans die of hepatitis B-related liver complications including cirrhosis and liver cancer each year.

About 1/3 of people who are infected with hepatitis B in the United States don't know how they got it.
 


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How is Hepatitis B Spread?

 Hepatitis B is spread through the contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. A person can get infected in several ways, such as:

by having unprotected sex with an infected person
by sharing needles when injecting illegal drugs
by being stuck with a used needle on the job
during birth when the virus passes from an infected mother to her baby


What are the Symptoms?

 Hepatitis B can make you feel like you have the flu. You might feel tired, sick to your stomach, have a fever or not want to eat. You might have stomach pain or diarrhea.

Some people have dark yellow urine, light-colored stools or yellowish eyes and skin. Some people don't have any symptoms.

If you have symptoms or think you might have hepatitis B, go to a doctor.


You Can NOT Get Hepatitis B by

Shaking hands with an infected person
Hugging an infected person
Sitting next to an infected person
 
How Can I Protect Myself?

 Fortunately, there is a safe and effective vaccine to protect against hepatitis B infection. It is recommended that all infants, children and adolescents up to the age of 18 receive the hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine is also recommended for adults who may be at high risk for infection.  Hepatitis B vaccine may be given at the same times as other vaccines.


How Much Does it Cost, and When are the Clinics?

Hep B adult clinic fee $60/dose and individual appt $65/dose.

Hep B [vaccine for children] under 19: clinic fee $10/dose and individual appt $17.50/dose

Note: This is a 3 dose series
Contact Us

To receive more information, or schedule a Hepatitis B vaccination, call or visit us at:

Clinton County Health Department
Health Services Unit
133 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Tel: (518) 565-4848

                                                                          

                          Note:  These are external web links.
                                                                                                                                                                     
 

Clinton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision
of services. The information on the Clinton County Health Department website is for educational purposes only. Nothing on the pages of this site shall be construed
as medical, fitness, dietetic, or other professional advice. This information is based on current beliefs among researchers and research studies published in the
current scientific literature. Clinton County is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse any content on external web links.

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