I got the hep b vaccine 10 yrs ago. i go to the obgyn every 6 months to get tested for everything just to be safe. i have a boyfriend but i don't trust him so this is why i get tested. anyways all of a sudden last time i went my doctor says i have antibodies for hep b. now i don't understand b/c why would i all of a sudden have these antibodies? she said it's b/c of the vaccine. but does this mean my boyfriend has hep b and i was exposed or am i just supposed to have antibodies b/c of the vaccine??
2006-12-18 08:01:10 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
Your blood showing antibodies for Hep B means that you had the vaccine. It's a built up resistance to the Hep B.
That's why you take the Hep B vaccines, to build up a resistance to the virus. They test your blood to see if you have antibodies and if they are present then the vaccine is still working for you.
2006-12-18 08:04:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because of the vaccine. You don't have hep b just the antibodies which occurs with any vaccination. Same thing with chicken pox. We all have it in our systems and sometimes it comes out via virus break out when you "get the chicken pox" and sometimes it never does "people who never get the chicken pox" and sometimes it breaks out twice because the first time wasn't strong enough or you get it as an adult "shingles".
Just keep getting tested and remain responsible like you have been doing. I would also suggest having your boyfriend get tested. You say you don't trust him so accompany him to get tested/receive results not just for hep b but all std's including HIV and AIDS.
Questions: Why are you giving control of your well being and sound mind to someone you don't trust? Is this really how you want to live your life with doubts and trust issues?
2006-12-18 16:28:48 · answer #2 · answered by straight chillin' 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is because of the vaccine. It's kind of stupid sounding but when you get a vaccine, you are actually getting some of the antibodies. They make the vaccine with the actual virus that causes the illness. You can go to yahoo and search "how vaccines are made" to better understand this.
2006-12-18 16:29:22 · answer #3 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with your doctor which hepatitis B antibodies you have, some antibodies are created only when you have a new infection. On the other hand hepatitis vaccine does need a buster, so check if your actual levels mean that you need it.
on the other hand, change your boyfriend or use the condom, that is no good life, having to worry about your vaccines.
2006-12-18 16:07:41 · answer #4 · answered by mini_floppy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋