What should I do if I am diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B?
If you test positive for the hepatitis B virus for longer than 6 months, this indicates that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection. You should make an appointment with a hepatologist (liver specialist) or gastroenterologist familiar with hepatitis B. This specialist will order blood tests and possibly a liver ultrasound to evaluate your hepatitis B status and the health of your liver. Your doctor will probably want to see you at least once or twice a year to monitor your hepatitis B and determine if you would benefit from treatment.
Most people chronically infected with hepatitis B can expect to live long, healthy lives. You can support your liver by avoiding alcohol, avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Here is more information on how to maintain a healthy liver.
Once you are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, the virus may stay in your blood and liver for a lifetime. It is important to know that you can pass the virus along to others, even if you don’t feel sick. This is why it’s so important that you make sure that all close household contacts and sex partners are tested and vaccinated against hepatitis B. Please visit our webpage to learn more about hepatitis B transmission, and how to protect your loved ones.
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Page updated 02/09/2022