Information for relatives of hepatitis D (HDV) patients
Hepatitis D (HDV) can have a significant impact on a patient’s household and family because of the risk of infection and possible psychological effects. In order to cope with the challenges associated with a chronic (permanent) illness, relatives should keep themselves regularly informed in the following ways:.
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Stay in regular contact with health professionals
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Join a support group
Seeking an understanding of hepatitis D (HDV): how the disease progresses, treatment options and prognosis can help family members understand the difficulties that patients face.
Patients may need psychological help to accept the disease and cope with everyday challenges. As a family member and an outside 'observer' of the progression of the disease, you can suggest such help if you feel it is necessary.
If you are the partner of the patient, certain questions may arise after the discovery of hepatitis D (HDV) infection (HDV) due to the possible sexual transmission of the virus. Within a sexually intimate relationship , fear of transmitting (or catching) the virus can be associated with withdrawal and an impaired sex life, sometimes requiring medical or psychological care.
Protecting yourself = contributing to the care of a loved one
In order to support a sick relative, one should be healthy and protect oneself against the risk of infection with HDV.
As a partner of an HDV patient, it is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis B (HBV) and to have the effectiveness of the vaccination checked. Vaccination can safely prevent hepatitis B (HBV) and thus also hepatitis D (HDV).
Practice safe sex. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D (HDV) virus (HDV) are mainly transmitted through blood, but can also be transmitted through other body fluids. Safer sex is primarily about avoiding exposure to potentially contagious blood and body fluids by using condoms during intercourse.
In order to support a sick relative, one should be healthy and protect oneself against the risk of infection with HDV.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/family/specialneeds/
Hepatitis D virus: an update. Pascarella S1, Negro F. Liver Int. 2011 Jan;31(1):7-21.
Hepatitis B und D RKI Ratgeber https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/EpidBull/Merkblaetter/Ratgeber_HepatitisB.html;jsessionid=0BE0E1C4ECD0DFD16EB61C3444C90BD8.internet102#doc2390050bodyText14
Hepatitis B Foundation. Living with Hepatitis B. https://www.hepb.org/assets/Uploads/living-with-chronic-hepb.pdf. Juni 2020.
Important stages from diagnosis to therapy
It is difficult to distinguish the symptoms of acute viral hepatitis D from another form of acute hepatitis.
If you have not been vaccinated against hepatitis B (HBV) and are at risk of contracting HBV or HDV , see your doctor for clarification and guidance. If you knowingly become acutely infected with hepatitis B (HBV), there is the possibility of post-exposure prophylaxis, which must be initiated within forty-eight hours
To find out whether you have contracted HBV or HDV, your blood will be tested in a laboratory.
If a HBV infection is confirmed, testing for hepatitis delta (HDV) should then take place immediately. Additionally, you should receive a referral to a liver specialist (hepato-gastroenterologist).
A hepatologist is a medicalspecialists for liver disease who will examine you in the hospital or in a doctor's office.
A HDV test should generally be performed in patients infected with HBV. More liver-specific tests can be done in the hospital.
Based on the results of the additional tests, your hepatologist, supported by a multidisciplinary medical team, will recommend and prescribe an appropriate HBV/HDV treatment.
Depending on the type of treatment prescribed, you will receive this directly at the hospital or you can obtain the medication from a pharmacy.
It is important to take your medication as directed and to read the patient information leaflets carefully.
Your hepatologist will monitor your treatment to check its effectiveness, as well as monitor the progression of the disease to detect any complications or signs of worsening.
Be assured that you are not alone on this journey or in dealing with this disease. It is very important to have someone to talk to. This can be a friend or family member. A patient organisation can also be a helpful contact point.