Hepatitis happens to be one of the most common viral infections. Interestingly there are different types of hepatitis. There is the hepatitis A, B, C, and D. We will focus on the most common type, hepatitis B, and its vaccine.
What is Hepatitis B Immune Globulin?
One of the most appreciated things about the medical field is the evolution that takes place. The medicine field is one that comes up with new studies, research, and treatment options. So many years back, no one had an idea what a vaccine is. And after a while, it came into existence. Since then, so many lives were saved with the help of vaccines. Today we will be talking about hepatitis B immune globulin that is similar to a vaccine. What is it good for? Find out here.
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It is known to be a form of protection against hepatitis B. This option is immediate, but then it only offers protection for a short while. It comprises of antibodies gotten from human blood.
The body commonly produces antibodies. The purpose of the antibody is helping to fight against foreign organisms.
However, is it safe? The answer to this question is Yes. It comes from human blood, but you can be sure that it is safe. The blood is tested for any viruses and other microorganisms. And then the blood is passed through a lot of processing. The processing helps inactivate any harmful microbe.
The blood screening and the blood testing of the blood sample are quite thorough. And because of that, this reduces the risk of having an infection. There is a small risk though of blood-borne infections, but it is very rare. So you have nothing much to worry about when it comes to opting for hepatitis B immune globulin.
So what is it good for? It is simply good for protecting you against having a hepatitis infection. As we go on we will take a look at people that should opt for this immune globulin. As well as those that should not opt for it.
Who Should Get This?
If you are or have been exposed to the blood of a patient that has hepatitis B, but you have not gotten the vaccine, you should opt for this. It is said that this works a lot better when given within 14 days after coming in contact with the blood. So the people that should opt for this are:
- Contact with blood or body fluids from an infected person
- Those that have had unprotected sex with a person that has hepatitis B.
- Babies under 12 months old whose mother has hepatitis B.
- Babies whose mother are at high risk of having the infection such as sex workers and drug users.
Usually, when they give a dose of hepatitis immune globulin, it comes with a dose of the vaccine as well. And then, they can give about two more doses of the vaccine. The purpose of this is to protect the person from the infection for a very long time.
If you feel you need to get a dose, then talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor would be the one to determine how and when the shots will be given.
Who Should Not Get It?
There following are the people that should not get this immune globulin:
- People that had serious reactions when they got a dose of this immune globulin the first time they got it.
- People that are at high risk of thrombosis or people that have had an episode of thrombosis.
- People that have a condition that is known as isolated immunoglobulin A deficiency.
- People that have been immunized for other illnesses within the past 14 days. Immunizations such as rubella, measles, chickenpox, and mumps.
Hepatitis Immune Globulin Dose and Side Effects
The right dose for an individual that has been exposed to someone who is hep B positive is HBIG 0.06 mL/kg IM. It should be given once, and then the hepatitis B vaccine series should be started for the person.
There are a few side effects that dome with this. For some, it’s just redness and tenderness of the area. For some, it could be nausea and vomiting and then chills.
An allergic reaction may happen, but it is rare. Discontinue giving the immune globulin, and the vaccine, if there’s an allergic reaction.
Hepatitis is a serious condition and should not be taken lightly. Once you come in contact with someone that has or might have this infection, go and see your doctor immediately. With this immune globulin, you will be able to avoid getting the infection. Don’t delay going to see a doctor as that could cost you a lot.
Before getting the immune globulin, make sure you tell your doctor all he needs to know. If you have any other condition or you are using any medication, make sure your doctor knows. In that way, the risk of interactions and side effects can be reduced.
Hepatitis B immune globulin is safe and would most likely not cause any problems in your body. Even though it is short term, it would still protect your body from the hepatitis virus, and with that, you can be safe. So hepatitis B immune globulin is a lifesaver. If you meet at least one of the criteria listed above then you should get this.
