Being diagnosed with hepatitis B can be overwhelming, but it is important to take healthy actions as soon as possible to protect yourself and others.1
After diagnosis, a medical professional is likely to carry out more tests to check how recent the infection is, whether it is harming the body or not, and whether or not treatment is needed.1 Medical professionals can provide you with information about treatment options and details on how to avoid transmitting the infection.1 A proactive approach is key to managing hepatitis.
If you test positive for the hepatitis B virus, one of the first things your doctor will tell you is whether you have acute hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis B.
If you have chronic hepatitis B, you may have the infection for life.2 Chronic hepatitis B can lead to more serious liver disease, including liver cancer.3 Some 15-25% of people who are chronically infected will eventually develop serious liver conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.4 You should not automatically think this will happen to you, but you should ask your medical professional if you are at risk for serious liver disease.
If you do have chronic hepatitis B, it is important to visit your medical professional frequently to get proper care and medications.
If serious liver disease does develop, your medical professional may talk to you about a liver specialist or about a liver transplant.