"The Hepatitis B Warrior" Public Service Announcement from HepB.tv
Related APAMSA Articles:
HepB in Asian Americans is a topic often ignored by our medical school curriculums!
It is APAMSA’s responsibility to educate our medical communities and local communities about this devastating disease. Here are some suggestions:
- Host lunch/dinner talks about HepB in Asian Americans at your school. Contact
 to discuss speakers and funding possibilities.
- Ask your GI/Hepatology Course master to include the subject of HepB in Asian Americans in his/her lectures or as part of a lecture series/curriculum on Asian Health, health disparities, and cultural competency.
- Work with your local ALF to host educational events for the medical school community and allied health providers. Become a peer educator and help spread this message to the next generation of future physicians!
American Liver Foundation:
The ALF is excited to work with APAMSA! They are interested in sponsoring educational events for chapters and also working with chapters on screenings and other outreach events.
Contact Susan Robinson at srobinson@liverfoundation.org to inquire about the following:
1. Educator tool kit—excellent and useful tool for presentations to your school and community.
2. Get connected to your local ALF chapter to discuss collaboration and also sponsorship of HepB educational events.
3. Free bulk copies of ―Hepatitis B and Asian Americans patient education brochure in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean.
Asian Liver Center at Stanford University
Jade Ribbon Campaign: You can order free brochures!
Immunization Action Coalition is eager to send you educational materials. Please contact Janelle Tangonan Anderson (Janelle@immunize.org) to receive a hepatitis B educational materials package. Please also copy Dr. Deborah Wexler in your email (Deborah@immunize.org).
Hepatitis B Foundation:
Includes patient education materials in various languages.
Gilead Sciences: HBV Community Screening Model--A downloadable tool to aid in the estimations of the potential long-term costs associated with HBV screening programs, especially for patients that do not have insurance or may require additional health and financial related services by not-for-profit organizations.
Hepb.tv:
An exciting interactive internet channel dedicated to Hepatitis B education and awareness hosted by famed HIV researcher, Dr. David Ho. Stay tuned for some APAMSA and HepBTV original programming as well.
Asian American Hepatitis B Program
Centers for Disease Control
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)
A list of programs that are interested in APAMSA’s help: This list is frequently updated. If you do not see a program in your area, please contact  for more assistance.
More HepB Links >
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What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is potentially devastating disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus infects the liver and can severely damage it resulting in liver cancer and death. It is spread through contact with blood and sexual fluids.
How common is Hepatitis B?
Approximately 73,000 people were infected with chronic hepatitis B in the United States in 1993.
How common is Hepatitis B in Asians?
In the U.S. about 50% of those chronically infected with Hepatitis B are Asian. 1 in 10 Asian Pacific Islanders is chronically infected with hepatitis B, compared to 1 in 1000 in the general population. Without treatment or monitoring, 1 in 4 will die from liver cancer or liver failure.
How is Hepatitis B transmitted?
Among Asian Pacific Islanders, Hepatitis B is most often transmitted from mother to child at birth. It can also be transmitted through contact with infected blood and through unprotected sex. 90% of chronic carriers are infected between the ages of 0-1.
How do you know if you are infected with Hepatitis B?
There are usually NO symptoms and the only way to be sure that you are infected is by a blood test. Possible symptoms that may arise include cold-like symptoms, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), exhaustion, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
Can Hepatitis B be prevented?
Yes, there is a vaccine which is very safe and consists of 3 shots over a 6-12 month period. You can get it if you have not been previously infected. Infants born to Hepatitis B positive mothers can be protected by a hepatitis B vaccination and treatment within 12 hours of birth.
Is there a treatment for Hepatitis B?
YES. Treatment options include injections or oral medications. A doctor can evaluate which treatment is right for you.
How can infected people prevent the spread of Hepatitis B?
Make sure all family members and sex partners have a blood test to determine if vaccination is necessary. Do not donate blood or organs, practice safe sex, and DO NOT share toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, needles or anything that may have blood on them.
If you are a Hepatitis B carrier, how can you take care of yourself?
DO NOT drink or smoke. Do not take medications that are not prescribed by your doctor, see your doctor regularly so that your liver function can be monitored, obtain a Hepatitis A vaccine if it is necessary, and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. |
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