Patient discussions
Counsel patients on preventing transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to others and the importance of lifelong monitoring. Lifestyle modifications to optimise body weight and treat metabolic complications are recommended in order to prevent the development of metabolic syndrome and fatty liver. No special precautions are recommended for children in community settings (e.g., daycare, school, contact sports), unless they are prone to biting. Advise patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen-positive to:[2]
Have household and sexual contacts vaccinated if they test negative for HBV serological markers
Use barrier protection during sex if their partner is not vaccinated or is not naturally immune
Not share toothbrushes, razors, injection equipment, or glucose testing equipment
Not donate blood, organs, or semen
Cover open cuts and scratches, and clean blood spills with bleach
Vaccinate against hepatitis A if necessary
Abstain from, or limit, alcohol use.
Counselling intervention programmes sometimes include interventions that aim to change risk behaviours. However, a systematic review found that counselling interventions that are aimed at changing risk behaviours (e.g., unprotected sex, injection of drugs) among key populations do not change behaviours or reduce new viral hepatitis infections. Counselling interventions that promote abstinence, rehabilitation, cessation of sex work, or a ‘cure’ for homosexuality (e.g., conversion therapy) are not recommended as they create barriers to the key populations accessing services.[173]
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