What to expect
Living with hepatitis B: What to expect
Many people who find out that they have the hepatitis B virus are afraid at first because they don’t know what to expect. If you know how the hepatitis B virus will affect your health and your life, you can deal with it better.
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.1 Chronic hepatitis B can lead to more serious liver disease, including liver cancer.2 Some 15 percent to 25 percent of people with chronic hepatitis B will eventually die from the disease.3 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.
Hepatitis B Transmission
If you do have hepatitis B, it is very important to take precautions to avoid infecting others.4
- Avoid sharing needles or syringes
- Avoid sharing personal items like toothbrushes and razors
- Always use a condom during sex
If you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, you should talk to your medical professional about how to protect your baby when it is born.
Learn more about the causes of hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B Treatment
Not all patients with chronic hepatitis B will need treatment. If you do need medication, your doctor can explain what medication will be right for you and why (see What Therapies Are Available?). He or she will also explain any side effects that you may expect from your hepatitis B treatment.
It is important to know that many people with hepatitis B can lead a normal life. Learn more about hepatitis B treatments.
