Hepatitis B in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver.” Hepatitis B (often called hep B) is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Without proper care, hepatitis B can lead to serious liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, hepatitis B is a preventable disease thanks to vaccination, early testing, and access to high‑quality care through local health systems like Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

How Hepatitis B Spreads

The hepatitis B virus is found in blood and, to a lesser extent, in body fluids such as semen and vaginal fluids. Infection happens when infected blood or body fluids enter another person’s bloodstream.

Common ways hepatitis B is transmitted in Grand Rapids include:

  • Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with someone who has hepatitis B, especially if blood is present
  • Sharing needles or injecting equipment, such as:
    • Needles and syringes
    • Spoons, filters, swabs, or water used for injecting drugs
  • Sharing personal items that may have blood on them:
    • Razors
    • Toothbrushes
    • Nail clippers
  • Unsterile piercing or tattooing equipment
  • Contact with infected blood through:
    • Open cuts or wounds
    • Mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, genitals)
  • From mother to baby during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after birth

In about 30–40% of cases, people do not know how they were infected.

Children who get hepatitis B are more likely to develop long‑term (chronic) infection, which increases the risk of serious liver disease or liver cancer later in life.

Who Is at Higher Risk in Grand Rapids?

Anyone can get hepatitis B, but some groups in West Michigan are at higher risk, including:

  • People who inject drugs or share injecting equipment
  • Sexual partners and household contacts of someone with hepatitis B
  • Men who have sex with men
  • People living with HIV or hepatitis C
  • Healthcare and emergency workers, police, and armed forces personnel
  • People who have more than one sexual partner
  • People who receive frequent blood products or have blood‑clotting disorders
  • People on hemodialysis or with advanced kidney disease
  • People with chronic liver disease or liver transplant
  • Residents and staff of facilities for people with developmental disabilities
  • People born in or who have lived in regions where hepatitis B is common, including:
    • Sub‑Saharan Africa
    • North‑East and South‑East Asia
    • The Middle East
    • North Africa
    • Pacific Islands
    • Parts of Eastern Europe and Russia

In the Grand Rapids metro area, many families have ties to these regions, which makes screening and vaccination especially important.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Many People Have No Symptoms at First

Most people newly infected with hepatitis B do not notice any symptoms, especially children and young adults. This is one reason regular testing in at‑risk groups is so important.

When symptoms do occur, they can appear 45 to 180 days after exposure and may include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Fever
  • Joint pain
  • Discomfort or pain under the right rib cage (over the liver)
  • Dark urine and pale (clay‑colored) stools
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

These symptoms often improve over a few weeks, but a person can still be infectious even after they feel better.

Acute vs. Chronic Hepatitis B

Acute Hepatitis B

“Acute” hepatitis B is a short‑term infection soon after exposure. In Grand Rapids:

  • Most healthy adults who get hepatitis B will:
    • Clear the virus naturally
    • Fully recover
    • Not need long‑term treatment
  • Some people become very ill and may need hospital care at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.
  • A small number can develop life‑threatening liver failure.

Chronic (Long‑Term) Hepatitis B

If the virus stays in the body for more than 6 months, it is called chronic hepatitis B.

  • Many people with chronic hepatitis B:
    • Have no symptoms for years
    • Do not know they are infected
  • Over time, chronic infection can lead to:
    • Chronic liver inflammation
    • Liver scarring (cirrhosis)
    • Liver failure
    • Liver cancer

Children and infants are much more likely than adults to develop chronic hepatitis B if infected.

There is no such thing as a “healthy carrier” of hepatitis B. Even if you feel well, the virus can still damage your liver and spread to others.

How Hepatitis B Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

If you think you have been exposed to hepatitis B, see a doctor immediately. In Grand Rapids, testing is available through:

  • Your primary care provider or family doctor
  • Local hospital systems (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health clinics
  • Community health centers and some urgent care clinics

Blood Tests

Blood tests can show:

  • If you have current infection
  • If you have had past infection
  • If you are immune from vaccination
  • How much virus is in your blood (viral load)

It can take up to 6 months after infection for some tests (antibodies) to become positive, so follow‑up testing may be needed.

Tests to Check Liver Health

If you have hepatitis B, your doctor may order:

  • Liver function blood tests
  • Ultrasound of the liver
  • FibroScan (a special ultrasound to measure liver scarring)
  • Liver biopsy (in selected cases)

These tests are available through major Grand Rapids hospitals and some specialty liver clinics.

Treatment for Hepatitis B in Grand Rapids

Acute Hepatitis B

Most people with acute hepatitis B:

  • Do not need specific antiviral medicine
  • Are treated with:
    • Rest
    • Fluids
    • Monitoring of liver function

However, if you become very unwell, you may need hospital care in a local emergency department.

Chronic Hepatitis B

For chronic hepatitis B:

  • Not everyone needs medication, but everyone needs regular check‑ups (every 6–12 months).

  • If you have:

    • High levels of virus in your blood, or
    • Signs of liver damage

    your doctor may recommend antiviral medicines. These can:

    • Lower the amount of virus
    • Prevent or slow liver damage
    • Reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer
    • Help heal some existing liver scarring

These medications control the virus but usually do not cure it. Your need for treatment can change over time, so regular follow‑up with a doctor or liver specialist is essential.

In Grand Rapids, you may be referred to:

  • A gastroenterologist or hepatologist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • A liver clinic affiliated with these health systems

Protecting Others if You Have Hepatitis B

If you are living with hepatitis B in Grand Rapids:

  • Make sure your household members and sexual partners are vaccinated.
  • Do not share:
    • Razors
    • Toothbrushes
    • Nail clippers
    • Needles or syringes
    • Any injecting equipment
  • Practice safer sex:
    • Use condoms every time until partners are fully vaccinated and immune
  • Cover all cuts and wounds with waterproof dressings.
  • Tell your doctor or dentist you have hepatitis B before procedures. There is no legal obligation, but it helps them protect you and others with proper infection control.
  • You can live normally with your family; hepatitis B is not spread by:
    • Hugging or kissing on the cheek
    • Sharing food or drinks
    • Coughing or sneezing
    • Casual contact at work or school

How to Reduce Your Risk of Hepatitis B in Grand Rapids

Get Vaccinated

Vaccination is the best protection against hepatitis B.

In the United States, and here in Michigan, hepatitis B vaccination is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule:

  • At birth: Hepatitis B vaccine given as soon as possible after delivery
  • At 2, 4, and 6 months: Given in a combination “six‑in‑one” vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, and Hib)

Catch‑up vaccination is recommended for:

  • Children and teens who missed doses
  • Adults at higher risk of infection (see below)

You can get vaccinated at:

  • Your pediatrician or family doctor
  • Local hospitals and affiliated clinics
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community health centers
  • Some pharmacies offering vaccination services

Use Condoms

  • Use condoms every time you have vaginal or anal sex with new or multiple partners.
  • Condoms also help protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and hepatitis C.

Be Careful with Oral Sex

  • The risk of hepatitis B from oral sex is low, but it increases if:
    • There are mouth sores, ulcers, or bleeding gums
    • Blood is present

Avoid oral sex if you or your partner have visible sores or bleeding.

Choose Safe Piercing and Tattooing

In Grand Rapids:

  • Only use licensed tattoo and piercing studios that:
    • Use new, single‑use needles
    • Follow strict sterilization and hygiene standards
    • Are inspected by local authorities
  • Do not get tattoos or piercings in unregulated settings (such as homes, parties, or garages).

Use Sterile Injecting Equipment

  • Never share needles, syringes, or any injecting equipment.
  • Use only sterile, single‑use needles and syringes.
  • In Michigan, sterile injecting equipment is available through:
    • Needle and syringe programs
    • Some pharmacies
    • Harm‑reduction services

Always wash your hands before and after injecting.

Hepatitis B and Pregnancy in Grand Rapids

Testing During Pregnancy

All pregnant women in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan are strongly recommended to be tested for hepatitis B.

If you are pregnant and have hepatitis B:

  • Your obstetrician, midwife, or family doctor can work with a liver specialist to:
    • Monitor your liver and viral load
    • Consider antiviral treatment in late pregnancy if needed
    • Plan safe delivery and newborn care

Protecting Your Baby

If the mother has hepatitis B:

  • The newborn should receive two types of protection within 12 hours of birth:
    • Hepatitis B vaccine
    • Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG), when indicated

This combination is highly effective at preventing infection in the baby.

Babies then complete the full hepatitis B vaccine series as part of routine childhood immunization.

Vaccination in Pregnancy

  • Hepatitis B vaccine is not routinely recommended during pregnancy.
  • It may be offered if you are not immune and at high risk of infection (for example, if your partner has hepatitis B or you have ongoing exposure risks).
  • Talk with your Grand Rapids OB‑GYN or midwife for individualized advice.

Breastfeeding is generally safe if the baby has been properly vaccinated.

Keeping Your Liver Healthy in Michigan

Living in Grand Rapids, with long winters and less sunlight, can affect overall health and activity levels. If you have hepatitis B—or want to protect your liver—consider:

  • Limit alcohol use or avoid it completely, especially if you have liver disease.
  • Quit smoking; ask your doctor about local smoking cessation programs.
  • Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced, low‑fat diet and regular exercise.
  • Stay active year‑round:
    • Indoor walking tracks, gyms, and community centers can help during cold Michigan winters.
  • Manage stress, which can affect sleep, immunity, and overall health.
  • Get vaccinated against other liver‑related infections (like hepatitis A) if recommended by your doctor.

Who Should Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

Vaccination is recommended for:

  • All infants (routine schedule)
  • Children and teens who missed earlier doses
  • Household contacts and sexual partners of people with hepatitis B
  • People who inject drugs or are on opioid substitution therapy
  • Men who have sex with men
  • People living with HIV or hepatitis C
  • Prisoners and people recently released from custody
  • Healthcare, emergency, police, and military workers
  • Workers with regular exposure to blood or body fluids:
    • Funeral workers
    • Embalmers
    • Tattooists and body piercers
    • Sanitation workers handling sharps
  • People with chronic liver disease or liver transplant
  • People with kidney failure or on dialysis
  • People with blood‑clotting disorders or frequent transfusions
  • People with multiple sexual partners
  • Residents and staff in facilities for people with developmental disabilities
  • Travelers to areas where hepatitis B is common, especially for long stays or high‑risk activities
  • People from, or with parents from, high‑prevalence regions, including:
    • Sub‑Saharan Africa
    • North‑East and South‑East Asia
    • The Middle East
    • North Africa
    • Pacific Islands
    • Parts of Eastern Europe and Russia

Your doctor or local health department can advise whether you qualify for low‑cost or free vaccination programs in Michigan.

Remember: Hepatitis B vaccination does not protect you from HIV, hepatitis C, or other blood‑borne infections, so you still need to practice safer sex and avoid sharing needles.

Local Grand Rapids & Michigan Resources

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding West Michigan area and are concerned about hepatitis B, you can get help from:

  • Emergency Services

    • In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health).

  • Primary & Specialty Care

    • Your family doctor or primary care provider
    • Gastroenterology or liver clinics at local hospital systems

  • Public Health Resources

    • Kent County Health Department – testing, vaccination, and public health information
    • Grand Rapids Public Health and community health centers

  • Nurse Advice Line

    • Many local health systems and insurers offer 24/7 nurse phone lines for medical advice and referrals.

  • Pharmacies

    • Many Grand Rapids pharmacies provide:
      • Hepatitis B vaccination
      • Help with antiviral prescriptions
      • General health advice

Ask your provider or local health department about specific programs, low‑cost clinics, or community screenings in the Grand Rapids area.

Key Points About Hepatitis B in Grand Rapids

  • In 30–40% of cases, people do not know how they were infected.
  • Most adults who get hepatitis B recover completely and do not need long‑term treatment.
  • All children and adults at increased risk should be vaccinated against hepatitis B.
  • Most people have no symptoms when first infected.
  • In more severe cases, hepatitis B can cause jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) and serious liver damage.
  • Regular testing, vaccination, and follow‑up care through Grand Rapids healthcare providers can prevent complications and protect your family and community.

If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, or if you are unsure about your vaccination status, contact your doctor or the Kent County Health Department as soon as possible for testing and advice.