How Do I Get Help?
Learning that you have hepatitis B is scary, but it is important to know that many people with hepatitis B can lead normal lives. If you know how the hepatitis B virus will affect your health and your life, you can manage it better.
Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B usually occur 9-21 weeks after exposure to the hepatitis B virus.1 Since 30 percent of people who are infected with the virus never get any hepatitis B symptoms, the only way to know for sure if you have the virus is to get tested.2
If you test positive for the hepatitis B virus, one of the first things your doctor will tell you is if you have either acute hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis B. One of the best things you can do is Ask your medical professional questions. Having more information about the virus and how it can affect you is an important first step in getting the proper hepatitis B treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B, you can seek out support and know that you’re not alone.
References
1 Center for Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/faqb.htm, accessed 1 August 20072 Center for Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/fact.htm, accessed 22 June 2007