Hep B Blog
Hepatitis B Diagnosis & Monitoring, Hepatitis B Prevention, Living with Hepatitis B

Kudos to HBF’s Blog Voted as a “Sexual Health Top 10, Must Read Blog”

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The team at Health Express has voted HBF’s blog as one of the “Must Read Blogs of 2013 – Sexual Health Top 10!”  HealthExpress.co.uk is an online clinic that provides support, advice and treatment for common medical conditions that patients do not always feel comfortable talking about. You can take a look at their recommended Top 10 blogs and learn more about them at healthexpress.co.uk.

The accolades from the HealthExpress team are a great opportunity to review transmission of the hepatitis B virus. HBV is transmitted through infected blood and body fluids. This includes direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, unsterile needles, and from an infected woman to her newborn baby at birth.  Sharing sharp, personal items that may have trace amounts of blood on them such a razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers and body jewelry including earrings, can also spread the virus.  Remember that the HBV virus may live up to a week on a surface resulting in possible transmission through direct blood-to-blood contact. This is why close, household contacts or family members are at greater risk of infection if one or more members are living with HBV. Don’t forget to be sure your tattoo or piercing experience is safe and that the parlor carefully follows infection control practices. Hepatitis B is also 50-100 times more infectious than the HIV virus.

Hepatitis B is also a sexually transmitted disease and is spread through infected semen, vaginal fluids and any blood that may be exchanged as part of a sexual practice – most often through sexual intercourse. In the United States, sexual transmission is the most common mode of HBV transmission and is responsible for 2/3 of acute HBV infections. A common question is “what about oral sex?” In general, oral sex would be considered less risky, but any kind of intimate sharing that may result in the exchange of bodily fluids will present some degree of risk.

So how can you prevent hepatitis B transmission between sexual partners? Fortunately there is a safe and effective hepatitis B vaccine to protect against the spread of HBV.  Get screened for HBV and vaccinate to protect – especially if you or your partner has more than one sexual partner, or if one or more partners is at greater risk.  When in doubt, get screened. Keep in mind that HBV is referred to as a “silent infection” since it may take decades for symptoms to occur. People with chronic HBV may be completely unaware of their infection and inadvertently spread HBV to their partner(s) if precautions are not taken.

Other precautions include practicing safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom. A lambskin condom will not prevent the spread of hepatitis B or other viral STDs. Looking for condom details?

A general comment to those with multiple sex partners– We are very fortunate to have a vaccine to protect against the hepatitis B virus. However, practicing safe sex with an effective condom is always advised to prevent the transmission of other infectious diseases that are not vaccine preventable, such as HCV and HIV, along with condom use to prevent the spread of other sexually transmitted diseases. Use common sense. No one wants a sexually transmitted disease, and if you have HBV, you really don’t want a coinfection. It can really complicate your life.

Hepatitis B Treatment, Living with Hepatitis B

HBV Journal Review – August 2013

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HBF is pleased to connect our blog readers to Christine Kukka’s monthly HBV Journal Review that she writes for the HBV Advocate. The journal presents the
latest in hepatitis B research, treatment, and prevention from recent academic and medical journals. This month, the following topics are explored:

*First Clinical Trial Using “RNA Interference” for Hepatitis B Begins
*Why Do Some People Clear HBsAg After Years of Chronic Infection?
*Longer Antiviral Treatment Urged after Seroconversion to Prevent Relapse
*Federal Officials Dramatically Undercount Liver Disease Deaths in the U.S.
*More Women Than Men Retain Protection Against Hepatitis B After
*Immunization Hepatitis B Cirrhosis Declines in China, But Alcohol-related
*Cirrhosis Rises Hepatitis E Vaccine Development Shows Promise
*Tenofovir Most Effective Antiviral Treatment in HIV-HBV Coinfected Patients
*Study Confirms Coffee Protects the Liver in European Populations
*Hepatitis C Is Also a Risk for Southeast Asians, Including Women
*In Small Trial, Chinese Herbal Medicine Reduces ALT Levels

HBV Journal Review
August 1, 2013
Volume 10, Issue 8
by Christine M. Kukka

First Clinical Trial Using “RNA Interference” for Hepatitis B Begins

A ground-breaking approach to hepatitis B treatment, which manipulates RNA messengers to halt viral replication, has begun its first human clinical trial. If successful, this approach would be a paradigm shift in treatment, possibly re- placing interferon and antivirals.

In animal trials, reported in the May 2013 journal Molecular Therapy, RNA interference (RNAi) treatment reduced hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels to undetectable within 24 hours in mice and the antigen remained undetectable for nearly a month.

RNAi treatment works by destroying or “silencing” the molecular messengers that carry im- portant genetic information to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen/ protein factories. Without the critical information that messenger RNA molecules carry, these antigen factories shut down and HBV reproduction de- clines dramatically.

Early RNAi research found that RNA silencing worked extremely well in the liver, but the challenge has been to create a formula and delivery system to target hepatitis B antigens in liver cells without affecting other important cells.

Arrowhead Research Corp. found that when the small RNA interrupters are linked to cholesterol, they target liver cells extremely well, and the addition of special polymers helps the gene silencing process. Arrowhead designed an intravenous formula, called ARC-520, that is utilized in its Phase 1 trial.

The hope is that when the viral load is dramatically reduced, the body’s immune system can gain the upper hand and eradicate the infection on its own.

In addition to its mouse trial, a similar trial involving an HBV infected chimp with an extremely high viral load also led to rapid reduction in HBV DNA and a 90% reduction in another hepatitis B antigen—the hepatitis B “e” antigen (HBeAg).

The clinical trial of ARC-520 (which uses a Dynamic Polyconju- gate delivery platform and includes two distinct RNA silencing agents that should shut down hepatitis B anti- gen reproduction) in humans is taking place in Melbourne, Australia. It is a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled trial. Each group of six healthy volunteers will receive either a placebo intra- venous injection or a single dose of ARC- 520…
Continue reading about this and additional studies…

 

Hepatitis B Diagnosis & Monitoring, Hepatitis B Prevention

World Hepatitis Day in Ghana

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Ghanians lined up for a viral hepatitis screening at last year's World Hepatitis Day event in Tamale, Ghana (Northern Region)

HBF is pleased to share World Hepatitis Day plans of our friend Theobald Owusu-Ansah of the Theobald Hepatitis B Foundation in Ghana. The Foundation is also a voting member of the World Hepatitis Alliance. 

On July 28th, 2013, The Theobald Hepatitis B Foundation and the Hepatitis Coalition of Ghana will join the World with one voice to celebrate World Hepatitis Day in Sunyani at Victoria Park. In attendance will be the Chiefs, members of Parliament, District Chief Executives, Municipal Chief Executives, Assembly Members and all the Opinion Leaders of the Region.

The Theobald Hepatitis B Foundation is a non-profit organization whose main aim is to educate and create awareness of hepatitis B and C to the general public, ranging from the causes, and symptoms of viral hepatitis, to preventive measures.

On World Hepatitis Day, the activities will start with an early morning Float with music and dance throughout the principal streets of Sunyani, along with the members and volunteers of the Foundation and the Coalition distributing educational materials to the crowds. These leaflets, posters, banners and stickers are part of the ongoing media blast that will draw the public’s attention to problem of chronic hepatitis B among the people of Ghana.

Free screening and hepatitis B vaccinations will be ongoing throughout the day’s activities. Resource persons will be delivering their messages and educating the general public about viral hepatitis. It is important that the people learn and understand whether or not they are positive or negative for viral hepatitis, and if they are positive, what is next.

The Delegation of the Government and other health care professionals will educate the public on Viral Hepatitis Policies and the way forward. Dieticians will also take the general public through the kind of food and diet one needs to eat, and the importance of avoiding alcohol, in order to defuse the public cry of the cost of prevention and treatment of hepatitis B.

Participating organizations will then take the opportunity to appeal for funds from the government officials and the Chiefs of the region present, in order to enable us to successfully organize our last programme of the year.

At the end of the event, the public will be provided with advice, and directed to seek medical information from qualified health professionals, in order to avoid falling into wrong hands of those trying to sell false cures for those with hepatitis B.

Please join us for our World Hepatitis Day activities in Victoria Park if you are in Sunyani, Ghana.

Theobald Owusu Ansah
Theobald Hepatitis B Foundation
P.O. Box GP 21325 Accra-Ghana:

Phone: 00233-20-8269214
theobald2003@yahoo.com
Theobald Hepatitis B Foundation website

 

Hepatitis B Diagnosis & Monitoring, Hepatitis B Treatment

HBV Journal Review – July 2013

HBF is pleased to connect our blog readers to Christine Kukka’s monthly HBV Journal Review that she writes for the HBV Advocate. The journal presents the
latest in hepatitis B research, treatment, and prevention from recent academic and medical journals. This month, the following topics are explored:

*Experts Describe When to Treat Pregnant Women with Antivirals
Does pregnancy worsen hepatitis B?
When should pregnant women be treated?
Which antivirals are safe to use during pregnancy?
What if women have elevated ALTs before becoming pregnant and have never         been treated?
What about women with normal ALTs and high viral loads?
Is it safe to use antivirals during the entire pregnancy?
Monitoring recommendations after delivery
Can a woman taking antivirals breastfeed?
* Half of Patients Treated Long-Term with Tenofovir Lose HBeAg
*Even Patients with High Viral Load Lose HBeAg with Tenofovir
*New Type of Interferon Effective in Phase 2 Hepatitis B Trial
*Majority of Hepatitis B Patients Have Vitamin D Deficiency
*But Patients with Healthy Vitamin D Levels Are More Likely to Clear HBsAg
*Activists Develop a National Plan to Eradicate Hepatitis B in the U.S.
*New Guidelines Urge Britain’s Doctors to Improve Hepatitis B Care
*Measuring HBsAg Levels May Identify Fibrosis and Avoid Liver Biopsies
*HBsAg Levels May Also Predict Cancer Risk in HBeAg-negative Patients

HBV Journal Review


July 1, 2013, Vol 10, no 7
by Christine M. Kukka

Experts Describe When to Treat Pregnant Women with Antivirals
Two U.S. hepatitis B experts have crafted guidelines for doctors to use when deciding when to treat pregnant women infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) with antivirals in order to safeguard the women’s health and prevent infection of newborns.

More than half of new hepatitis B infections result from mother-to-child (vertical) transmission and despite immediate immunization and administration of HBIG (hepatitis antibodies), about 30% of infants born to women with high viral loads become infected. Additionally, women who want to become pregnant may already be treated with antivirals because of liver damage.  There is little medical guidance on whether treatment is safe over the entire pregnancy.

Does pregnancy worsen hepatitis B? Generally it does not unless the woman has cirrhosis (severe liver scarring.) Studies show a pregnant woman’s viral load generally does not increase over a pregnancy, but after the baby is born and the woman’s hormone levels change (akin to a sudden decline in steroids), some women experience a “flare” and their alanine transaminase (ALT) levels may increase due to moderate liver cell damage. Because of these flares, doctors must monitor new mothers carefully for several weeks after childbirth.

When should pregnant women be treated? Starting in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, antiviral treatment is recommended when women have high viral loads—exceeding 1 million copies per milliliter or 200,000 international units per milliliter. However, if women are already receiving antiviral treatment when they become pregnant, treatment should probably continue over the pregnancy to prevent worsening liver disease.

Which antivirals are safe to use during pregnancy? The experts recommend tenofovir (Viread) in the event the woman continues to need antiviral treatment because this drug has a very low rate of drug resistance, or telbivudine (Tyzeka). Both have been shown to be safe and cause no birth defects when used in pregnant women infected with HIV or HBV.

Continue reading about this and additional studies…


Liver Cancer

Learning to Care: Being There for Someone with Cancer

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This weeks’ blog features one family’s experience in dealing with a rare type of cancer with the goal of bringing hope and inspiring those who may be dealing with the challenge of living with liver cancer.

In November 2005, my wife Heather and I learned something that changed our lives forever. It was the day that she was diagnosed with cancer. She had malignant pleural mesothelioma. I knew that our lives were about to change considerably, and right away I had to step into the role of caregiver for my wife. Our daughter Lily had just come in to the world three months prior, and our excitement over being new parents quickly dissolved into fear of what the future could bring. I didn’t know why we were dealt such a hand, but I knew that we had to make it through.

I started my life as a caregiver the moment that I heard Heather had cancer. We went to the doctor together that day. Sitting there, feeling trapped inside my emotions, we were faced with some difficult choices. The doctor gave us a few options for treatment nearby, like the regional hospital or university hospital, but neither of these had a program for mesothelioma. We were told about a specialist in Boston named Dr. David Sugarbaker, who was renowned for his work with mesothelioma patients. It didn’t take me any time to say, “Get us to Boston!” I knew that if my wife had any chance of surviving, she would need the best care she could possibly get.

We spent some time after that trying to get our life together. We had to make some tough decisions about child care, paying bills and work. Heather could no longer work, and I had to scale back to part time in order to be there to care for her and Lily. The worst times were being stuck at my job, thinking of my wife and the baby, and knowing that I wasn’t where I needed to be and yet I was where I had to be. I kept having these terrifying moments of doubt, where I would think of being alone and widowed with a baby to raise on my own. It was all I could do to keep it together most days.

Help came when we needed it the most through my wife’s family. Heather’s parents were extremely giving during our time of need. They provided a place for her to live after her surgery in Boston but they also provided for Lily’s child care. They even helped with medical bills. Friends were also there for us during our rough time. I will never forget the help from these people and how generous they were. It truly saved my family from desperate hardship. I will always remember that kindness.

My strongest advice to anyone in this situation is to accept every offer of help that comes your way. I learned the hard way that there is no room for pride in a battle with cancer.  Even the smallest offer of help can be a huge weight off your shoulders, and at the very least will remind you that you are not alone in the fight.

Furthermore, as a caregiver you must remember to take care of yourself as well.  Allow yourself to have bad days, this is inevitable and even necessary, but always remember to never, ever give up hope for a better tomorrow.

Heather would undergo intense treatment for mesothelioma over the following months, and against all odds she would eventually beat her cancer.  It has been over seven years since her diagnosis, and she remains happy and healthy to this day. We hope that by sharing our story, we can help inspire others currently battling through cancer today.

Cameron Von St. James

 

Living with Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B and Social Security Disability Benefits

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Please welcome guest blogger, Ram Meyyappan, senior editor of Social Security Disability Help as he provides advice on applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security  Income should your HBV prevent you from working.

Hepatitis B (HBV)  is often referred to as a “silent infection” because those chronically infected may have few or no symptoms, or may not be unaware of their infection for decades. However, over time, the risk of serious liver disease is certainly possible and symptoms can range from mild to severe.  Severe symptoms rarely occur with an acute HBV infection, but can have very serious outcomes.  If your condition is severe to the point that you can no longer continue to work, you may qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

You can learn more about SSDI and SSI here

Hepatitis B and Qualifying for Benefits

When you submit an application for Social Security Disability benefits an adjudicator will review your file and compare your condition with a listing of conditions known as the SSA Blue Book (http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/). This Blue Book contains a listing of conditions and qualifying criteria that may qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits. Unfortunately Hepatitis B does not have its own listing in the Blue Book. You may still be able to qualify for disability benefits, however, if you are able to prove that you suffer from an associated condition (such as depression) that is included in the Blue Book. Some of the conditions that may qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits that are listed in the Blue Book and that may be associated with Hepatitis B include:

  • 5.05 Chronic liver disease
  • 5.08 Unexplained weight loss
  • 5.09 Liver transplant
  • 12.04 Affective disorders

If you are applying for disability benefits based on an associated condition that is listed in the Blue Book, you must provide medical documentation proving that your condition is severe enough to meet the criteria of that specific listing. For example, in the case of chronic liver disease, you must be able to prove that:

  • You are hemorrhaging from esophageal, gastric, or ectopic varices or from portal hypertensive gastropathy and it has resulted in hemodynamic instability and required hospitalization for transfusion of at least 2 units of blood; or
  • You suffer from ascites or hydrothorax that is not attributable to other causes, despite continuing treatment, as prescribed, and that the condition was present during at least 2 evaluations that were at least 60 days apart within a consecutive 6-month period; or
  • You suffer from spontaneous bacterial peritonitis with peritoneal fluid containing an absolute neutrophil count of at least 250 cells/mm3; or
  • You are suffering from end-stage liver disease with SSA CLD scores of 22 or greater.

If you are not suffering from a condition that is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you may still be able to qualify for disability benefits under what is known as a vocation allowance. In order to do this, however, you will have to prove that you are unable to perform any type of work activity whatsoever. This can be done through medical findings, laboratory reports and a residual functional capacity form. In the case of Hepatitis B, your condition must be very advanced and severe in order to qualify. Unless you are suffering from end-stage liver disease, you may have a hard time qualifying for benefits based on this condition.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Hepatitis B

To apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you can apply online at the SSA’s website (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/disability.htm) or apply in person at your local Social Security office. You will want to make sure that you have all of your medical evidence ready when you go to submit your application for benefits.

It can be very hard to prove that you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits when you are applying based on a condition that is not included in the SSA’s Blue Book. Because of this, you may want to consider retaining the services of a disability attorney prior to submitting your application. A disability lawyer can help you gather the evidence that you will need to prove your case. These attorneys will know which condition, if any, may qualify you under the SSA’s Blue Book or how to prove that you qualify based on a vocational allowance.

Article written by Ram Meyyappan, senior editor of Social Security Disability Help. Please refer to the Social Security Disability Benefits Help website for additional information. (www.disability-benefits-help.org)

 

Uncategorized

Big Thank You to 2 Hep B Heroes

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HBF would like to thank Hep B Heroes Nina and Richie Kahn. Richie recently ran the Delaware Marathon, and he and Nina used this opportunity to raise money for the Hepatitis B Foundation. Nina and Richie, thank you for your generous donation and your commitment to those living with hepatitis B!

“Back in 2008, I suffered a pretty horrific knee injury running the Philadelphia Half-Marathon. Several years, surgical procedures, and rehabilitation sessions later, I’m running again. So, I figured why not put my stamina to the test by running my first marathon while raising money for a wonderful cause?

On May 12th, I ran the Delaware Marathon to raise money for the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF). For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of working with HBF, the foundation is the only national non-profit organization solely dedicated to the global problem of hepatitis B. They are dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide. This commitment includes funding focused research, promoting disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and serving as the primary source of information for patients and their families, the medical and scientific community, and the general public.

I finished the race in 3:59:23, 218th overall. More importantly, thanks to the generous support of friends, co-workers, and colleagues, we were able to raise nearly $3,000 for the Hepatitis B Foundation. Be sure to check out the Hepatitis B Foundation’s website to learn about the excellent work they do at http://hepb.org/.”

 

 

Hepatitis B Diagnosis & Monitoring, Hepatitis B Treatment, Living with Hepatitis B

High HBV Viral Load Tied to Low Serum Vitamin D Levels

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An interesting study published in Healio Hepatology:  “High HBV viral load tied to low serum vitamin D levels” discusses the relationship between the HBV viral load and vitamin D levels. In fact is shows seasonal fluctuations of HBV viral load associated with vitamin D levels. Vitamin D has been on the radar for years, but this interesting correlation between HBV virus flucuations and vitamin D levels warrants additional research to investigate how adequate vitamin D levels can positively impact treatment for those living with chronic HBV. Please refer to earlier blogs, Hepatitis B and Vitamin D and Got HBV? Adding Vitamin D to Your Diet for additional information.  As always, please talk to your doctor and have your serum vitamin D levels checked before making any drastic changes to your diet or supplements you may be taking. Don’t forget that vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin, so be sure to keep in mind the impact of the seasons on your levels. 

Patients with chronic hepatitis B who also were vitamin D deficient had significantly higher HBV DNA levels than patients with adequate vitamin D concentrations in a recent study.

In a retrospective study, researchers measured the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in 203 treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B seen between January 2009 and December 2012. Patients with 25OHD levels less than10 ng/mL were considered severely deficient, levels below 20 ng/mL were considered deficient, and levels of 20 ng/mL or greater were considered adequate. Patients’ samples were collected upon initial presentation, except 29 participants whose samples were taken at antiviral therapy initiation.

The mean 25OHD concentration for the cohort was 14.4 ng/mL. Forty-seven percent of participants were considered 25OHD deficient; 34% were severely deficient. 25OHD levels were similar between Caucasians (14.38 ng/mL) and non-Caucasians (14.59 ng/mL) (P=.7).

An inverse correlation was observed between levels of HBV DNA and 25OHD (P=.0003). Multivariate analysis indicated that HBV DNA was strongly predictive of low 25OHD levels (P=.000048), and vice versa (P=.0013). Patients with HBV DNA levels less than 2,000 IU/mL had 25OHD concentrations of 17 ng/mL; those with 2,000 IU/mL or higher had concentrations of 11 ng/mL (P<.00001 for difference). Participants who tested positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg; n=26) had significantly lower 25OHD levels than HBeAg-negative participants (P=.0013); this association was significant only under univariate analysis.

Investigators also noted fluctuations in HBV DNA and 25OHD levels according to season. Significantly lower HBV DNA levels were observed among samples taken during spring or summer than in autumn or winter (P=.01).

“The present study demonstrates a profound association between higher levels of HBV replication and low [25OHD] serum levels in chronic hepatitis B patients,” the researchers wrote. “At least in patients without advanced liver disease … HBV DNA viral load appears to be the strongest determinant of low [25OHD] serum levels. … Future studies to evaluate a therapeutic value of vitamin D and its analogs in HBV infection may be justified.”

Hepatitis B Diagnosis & Monitoring, Hepatitis B Treatment

HBV Journal Review – June 2013

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HBF is pleased to connect our blog readers to Christine Kukka’s monthly HBV Journal Review that she writes for the HBV Advocate. The journal presents the
latest in hepatitis B research, treatment, and prevention from recent academic and medical journals. This month, the following topics are explored:

• U.S. Doctors Failing to Treat Patients Who Need Treatment
• Doctors Say Poor Training and Limited Resources Contribute to
Substandard Care • More Proof—Many Patients with Slightly Elevated ALTs
Have Fibrosis • Tenofovir Reduces Viral Load in HBeAg-Positive Patients
Faster than Entecavir • Researchers Find Tenofovir Does Not Damage
Kidneys • Tenofovir and Entecavir Highly Effective—If Taken as
Prescribed • Family History of Liver Cancer Boosts Cancer Risk to 15.8%
Among HBV-Infected • Vitamin D Deficiencies Found in People with High
Viral Loads • More Evidence Shows Breastfeeding Does Not Transmit HBV
Infection • Cesareans Do Not Reduce Mother-to-Child HBV Infection
• 2% of HBV Genotype D Adults Lose HBsAg Annually

HBV Journal Review

June 1, 2013, Vol 10, no 6
by Christine M. Kukka

U.S. Doctors Failing to Treat Patients Who Need Treatment
Fewer than 50% of patients infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) who need treatment get antivirals or interferon from their primary care doctors and fewer than 70% of patients who go to university liver clinics get appropriate treatment, according to research presented at the Digestive Disease Week medical conference held in Orlando in May.

Stanford University researchers conducted a real-life study to see what percentage of 1,976 hepatitis B patients treated in various clinical settings over four years received treatment. They used current medical guidelines when evaluating whether patients received appropriate treatment.

Continue reading about this and additional studies…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized

HBF and HBUP’s Hepatitis B Awareness Raising Event at the Philadelphia Art Museum

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What a great hepatitis B awareness raising event for the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) and Hep B United Philadelphia (HBUP). The event took place at on the “Rocky Steps” of the Philadelphia Art Museum.  Participants including student volunteers, community leaders and health care professionals were dressed in their super hero t-shirts and red capes for their run up the steps to raise HBV awareness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hep B Heroes joined Philadelphia Councilman David Oh as he presented a city council resolution to eliminate Hepatitis B in the City of Philadelphia.

 

A special guest appearance was made by HBF’s own mascot, O’Liver B Hepatitis. In the past, O’Liver has appeared at numerous public events, and he was thrilled to step up and raise HBV awareness on the Rocky Steps.

 

 

 

 

 

Multicultural dancers get a thumbs up from O’Liver as he and other participants enjoy their performance on the steps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B A Hero. B sure. Get Tested. Get vaccinated…

 

 

 

 

 

Baruch S. Blumberg Institute