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Do Vaccinations Clear The Antigenes Of HBV From The System?

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Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016
Question: I had the HBV series vaccination (Hepatitis B) back in 1997. I was not tested for HBV prior so I had an antigen test to see if I had been exposed prior. It showed up negative (a hotline rep told me "you mean the military gave you the vaccine without testing you first what is this world coming too?.
A few years ago my physician told me that my HBV vaccine antibodies were a bit low (I don't think that I asked for the test she just tested me for everything). I was then given a booster shot. My questions are:
1. I have read that antigen tests only go to "undetectable levels" so if I did have the hepatitis B virus prior to the vaccine, would the vaccine have cleared my body of the virus?
2. I have read that even if your vaccine antibodies are low that they still protect you since there is "cell memory" of the antibodies. Is this true?
3. I have read that a vaccine for HBV is good for up to 20 years.
4. I have read that many who have HBV don't have symptoms right away but would symptoms show up after 20 years if you did have it?
5. I have read that 90% of people have the HBV clear from their body so I guess that there is only a 10% concern.
I am not in a super high risk group but my ex-husband confessed to me that he did have sex with the neighbor lady who "liked variety in men" so maybe this puts me in moderate risk?
I feel sure that after 20 years symptoms would have shown up but since I just don't know, I am asking.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
See Below!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this query.

1. NO. The vaccine cannot clear antigenes from your system.

2. Yes, it is true. The body knows the virus and has a factory that can be mobilized to clear any virus that intrudes into the system.

3. Yes, it can protect for at least 20years. However, 10years booster doses are encouraged.

4. No symptoms would show up after 20years. If you had Hepatitis B virus in your system, the tests or symptoms must have stated so earlier.

5. Sure, 90 persons of all people who are infected with HBV clear it from the body spontaneously. Only 10% go on to develop and active disease and only 1% of the 10% go on to develop ant complications related to HBV.

You are fine and there is no reason getting worried. With a complete vaccination series and no symptoms after 20years, you can only sit back, relax and express get XXXXXXX and relief form any worries.

I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (9 hours later)
Do the antigen tests only go to "undetectable" levels? Or do you think that my antigen test for the virus was 100% accurate negative?

Its so crazy now a days with all of these viruses and knowing what you tell your future dating partners. I just want to be sure.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The virus is completely cleared from the blood system!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

A negative test means the virus is not in the system. There is no reason being further concerned. This is also a certification that you are not a carrier or HBV.

I wish you well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)
So disregard what I read about viral tests only being able to detect "undetectable" levels and believe that it went to zero levels? If the virus would have been in my blood the antigen test would have found it?

Like the virus can only be in one part of your blood and not another? This is not so?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A negative test is Negative!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This tests looks for antibodies and antigenes. So if the virus is present win any form, it would be detected. HIV patients with undetectable viral loads will still have a positive antibody test. This is true with HBV. When the tests concludes that it is negative, it means even antibodies and antigenes are no where in the system. There are no places where the virus can hide in the body and not be detected.

I wish you well.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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Do Vaccinations Clear The Antigenes Of HBV From The System?

Brief Answer: See Below! Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for this query. 1. NO. The vaccine cannot clear antigenes from your system. 2. Yes, it is true. The body knows the virus and has a factory that can be mobilized to clear any virus that intrudes into the system. 3. Yes, it can protect for at least 20years. However, 10years booster doses are encouraged. 4. No symptoms would show up after 20years. If you had Hepatitis B virus in your system, the tests or symptoms must have stated so earlier. 5. Sure, 90 persons of all people who are infected with HBV clear it from the body spontaneously. Only 10% go on to develop and active disease and only 1% of the 10% go on to develop ant complications related to HBV. You are fine and there is no reason getting worried. With a complete vaccination series and no symptoms after 20years, you can only sit back, relax and express get XXXXXXX and relief form any worries. I wish you well.