HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B is the inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus.
Worldwide, 884 000 people die each year from Hepatitis B and related diseases. However, with early detection and appropriate medical care, people living with Hepatitis B can still enjoy a long and healthy life.
The Hep B Panel of Tests
Only one sample of blood is needed for a Hepatitis B blood test, but the full “Hepatitis B Panel” of three parts is needed to fully understand whether a person is infected or not.
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/hbsAg.png)
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/anti-hbs.png)
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/anti-hbc.png)
So Many Reasons to Vaccinate
Are you or someone you know at risk of Hepatitis B? You might be more at risk than you think.
And since Hepatitis B is vaccine preventable, it makes sense to get tested and vaccinated.
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/people.png)
Everyone is at risk of Hep B.
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/first-aid-sign.png)
The Hep B vaccine is safe.
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/tick.png)
The Hep B vaccine is effective.
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/B-shield.png)
The vaccine is a lifetime protection against Hep B.
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/D-shield.png)
It protects against Hep D, the most severe form of viral hepatitis.
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/syringe.png)
It is the first anti-cancer vaccine, since Hep B is the leading cause of liver cancer.
To be certain that you are protected against Hep B, ask for a simple blood test to check the amount of antibodies in your body. This will confirm whether the vaccination was successful.
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/hep-b-olvier.png)
Hep B Treatment
Acute Hep B
A person may need hospitalisation to manage symptoms.
Although rare, he can go into sudden liver failure and require immediate, urgent medical attention.
Chronic Hep B
There are now effective treatments for controlling Hepatitis B infection. Your doctor may recommend Interferon injections or an oral tablet to take. Each has advantages and disadvantages that you should speak to your doctor about.
A Lifelong Commitment
In most people, the treatment does not cure Hep B infection, but only suppresses the replication of the virus. Therefore, most people who start Hep B treatment must continue it for life.
And because Hep B has no symptoms until your liver is badly damaged, you will need lifelong repeat blood tests every six to 12 months to check:
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/blood-drop.png)
If your liver has active inflammation
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/hep-b-treatment.png)
If you need treatment for Hep B
![](https://mindyourliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/treatment-1.png)