No Hepatitis Vaccinations - Can HBIG shot help? Posted: 10-10-07 09:38am
Hi. I have not had any Hepatitis
Vaccinations.
My girlfriend is a Phlebodomist and just
started this week.
The other day (two days ago) she had to
draw someone's blood that had
Hepatitis B.
This made me really nervous reading about
how contagious it was.
I know it has to be exposed via blood or
other mucas or secretions but I read it
can live up to 10 days out of the body.
I know that person may have been sick or
something.
What if they sneezed and she touched it or
something?
I am just nervous because I already have
health problems.
I have some health problems already. I
have Cystic Fibrosis and Diabetes.
The Cystic Fibrosis already causes some
complications with the liver
(high counts when liver tested etc.) It is
just something that happens sometimes with
Cystic Fibrosis.
I am going to get vaccinated soon for A
and B.
However... I read about a shot called HBIG
which can be given to people who were
exposed. I read that you should do it
within 7 days of exposure and the best is
within 48 hrs.
I think it has been two days now since she
came in contact with this person.
Another thing that scares me is that it
says the HBIG shot is made of plasma from
humans and it is possible to get a virus
FROM the shot.
Should I get this shot when I go to get
vaccinated? Can you get them at the same
time?
What are the risks of getting a different
virus FROM the HBIG shot?
If the risks are very low and there is
nothing to worry about I would like to get
it just in case. Especially since she will
be working drawing peoples blood everyday
and you never know when something could
happen.
I know that the Hep B shot has to be
stretched out with three shots during a
6-9 month span and I don't want anything
to happen during that time if an accident
with her drawing blood was to occur. I
also read that the HBIG shot can protect
you from 3-6 months. That is another
reason why I am thinking about getting
it.
Can someone give me some advice on this?
Thanks
|
Rheinau
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 12
My Opinion Posted: 10-15-07 06:16am
Hopefully your girlfriend has already had
Hep A & B vaccine since she has a high
risk job. Also, if she follows proper
procedures, she should be fine.