Question
My friend is a carrier of the hepatitis B virus, with no discomfort symptoms and normal liver function tests. What kind of impact will the child have?
Answer
Hepatitis B virus carriers should receive an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin between 7-9 months of pregnancy and have their child vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth to effectively block transmission. The child will not have any issues in the future. If the child is diagnosed with liver disease, active treatment and attention to diet and hygiene habits should be noted.