Hepatitis b reactive what does it mean

The virus causes an infection in the liver. In most cases, this virus clears up on its own within 6 months. But in a small portion of adults and a larger portion of children, the virus doesn't go away. This is especially true for newborns. This is called having a chronic infection. It may lead to liver cell damage, scarring, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

Hepatitis B surface antigens are an early sign of an acute infection, and they are also present during chronic, or long-term, infection. You may need this test if your healthcare provider believes you have a liver infection caused by HBV. You may need this test if you have symptoms of hepatitis B. Symptoms often start slowly.

Many people have no symptoms or only feel like they have a mild case of the flu. You may not have symptoms until the infection becomes severe or chronic. You may also have this test if you have a history that puts you at risk for being in contact with the virus. Risk factors for hepatitis B infection include:. Getting a blood transfusion or organ transplant. This is less common with active screening. You may also have this test several times if you've already been diagnosed with hepatitis B, to see whether your infection is getting better.

Your healthcare provider may order other blood tests to look for HBV. These tests can look for antigens on the surface, envelope, and core of the virus, as well as the antibodies to these antigens. The symptoms of all 5 hepatitis infections are much the same. So this blood test is often done along with other hepatitis blood tests to tell your provider which type of virus and what stage of infection you may have.

Your healthcare provider may also order a series of blood tests called a hepatitis B monitoring panel to see if your infection is getting better. This content does not have an Arabic version. Email address.

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Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lok AS. Hepatitis B virus: Clinical manifestations and natural history. Accessed Aug. Lok AS. Hepatitis B virus: Screening and diagnosis. Mantzoukis K, et al. Pharmacological interventions for acute hepatitis B infection.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Hepatitis B FAQs for the public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis B. World Health Organization. Lok AS, et al. Hepatitis B cure: From discovery to regulatory approval. However, rest and hydration will help you recover. Antiviral medications are used to treat chronic hepatitis B.

These help you fight the virus. They may also reduce the risk of future liver complications. You may need a liver transplant if hepatitis B has severely damaged your liver. A liver transplant means a surgeon will remove your liver and replace it with a donor liver. Most donor livers come from deceased donors. Complications of having chronic hepatitis B include:.

Hepatitis D infection can only occur in people with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is uncommon in the United States but can also lead to chronic liver disease. The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent infection.

Vaccination is highly recommended. It takes three vaccines to complete the series. The following groups should receive the hepatitis B vaccine:. In other words, just about everyone should receive the hepatitis B vaccine.

There are also other ways to reduce your risk of HBV infection. You should always ask sexual partners to get tested for hepatitis B. Use a condom or dental dam when having anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

Avoid drug use. Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to your heart. Learn how to recognize coronary artery disease symptoms, how to manage the symptoms, and…. Practicing safe sex is crucial to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Learn more. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that disproportionately affects Asians and Asian Americans. Hepatitis A, B, and C are caused by different viruses that lead to inflammation of your liver.

We break down the differences between each type and how….