Recent HepB+ = No work visa?

There are four tests, with hopefully one blood draw, that can distinguish between active Hep B infection, past Hep B infection, and antibodies from Hep B vaccination.  Here is a link that explains the four tests and includes a matrix that explains what they mean in different combinations:  https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/pdfs/ … hartv8.pdf  You need to be sure that the clinic is doing all the tests.

If you turn out to have either acute or chronic Hep B, it is probably good that you have been tested, as you can be treated.  There is no absolute cure although breakthroughs are expected soon.  You hopefully could be moved to another part of the matrix as in immune due to natural infection. 

The reason that I have studied up on this is because my wife tested as immune due to natural infection when tested in the US.  She had no knowledge or recollection of the disease and may have been infected through the placenta.  Her doctor had her take single booster just in case.

Hep B is common in needle using drug users but that is not the only way to get it.  I had a doctor in Hawaii who contracted Hep B as a combat surgeon in Vietnam, possibly from treating wounded positive soldiers or civilians in combat hospitals where there was plenty of blood contact.  He died prematurely of liver failure while in his early 60's.  Get yourself treated.  You can get your WP after treatment.

For the rest of us, this is an object lesson in why getting vaccinated for both Hep A and Hep B is important if living in Vietnam even if we don't think we are in a high risk group.

Thanks for that. I have been tested. I would like to know if anyone who has been tested has managed to get their permit, or if its a deal breaker.

OhBoi wrote:

Thanks for that. I have been tested. I would like to know if anyone who has been tested has managed to get their permit, or if its a deal breaker.

Your missing the point.  Being tested is not the problem.  The test is part of the work permit physical.  The problem is coming up positive for either active or chronic infection, in particular positive for HBsAg.  If you are positive for this indicator, getting treated is a way more important problem than your work permit.  If you are successfully treated, you should come up negative for HBsAg and be eligible for a WP.  In the mean time, do you think you should be allowed to work if you are infectious?