sean

Hi Hubby,

I don't think epstein barr or any virus can "cause" an infection by any other virus. they are separate beasts.

Hep B is considered a bit easier to transmit than c, but through many of the same routes--blood contact, unclean medical instruments, tatoos, needles, sex (supposedly more likely with b than with c), and the like.

BUT, are you sure she is being told that she HAS hep B or that she HAS had it? The antibodies are forever (in most people) even if one has long since recovered. If she still has active, chronic hep b, it may need treatment, but very possibly not, as she apparently is not ill (the weakness was a blood pressure issue, yes?)

If it is indeed still active you probably should get vaccinated. It is not considered a risky vaccination, and since hep b is transmissible (hep c is still giving the researchers fits on this point, but not b), why take a chance? My opinion, anyway.

If the tests show only hep b antitbodies, not antigens, the hep is not active--she once had hep b but is over it. (I am this.) She does not have to worry, then, and neither do you. There may have been damage to her liver at that time, and her liver enzymes may never test "normal" again, and yet she may not be ill in any meaningful way. Now or ever.

I'm not a doctor, though, and none of us here are. I think a hepatologist or gastroenterologist would be worth a visit and a long talk. My hunch is you'd find this reassuring--at least compared to wondering and worrying.

Let us know what else you find out.


sean