What are the treatment options for hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B can be short-term or persist in the body. Your clinician considers the infection pattern, liver inflammation, viral activity, and existing liver health before recommending a plan. Some people need regular observation rather than immediate medicine. Others may benefit from long-term antiviral treatment to reduce viral activity and protect the liver. A positive test does not by itself show which option is right, so follow-up assessment matters.

Attend planned appointments and complete requested blood tests. A Liver Function Test helps assess how the liver is coping, alongside other hepatitis B tests chosen by your clinician. Avoid alcohol and check every medicine or supplement before using it. Do not share razors, toothbrushes, or injection equipment, and ask about safer sex and household testing. Hepatitis B Vaccination is an important prevention option for people who are not protected.

Contact a clinician promptly for new jaundice, increasing abdominal swelling, persistent vomiting, severe right-sided abdominal pain, confusion, unusual bleeding, or marked sleepiness. Seek emergency care for collapse, severe confusion, or vomiting that prevents hydration. Arrange review sooner if you are pregnant, have known liver disease, or take medicines that may affect liver function.

Ask whether your infection appears short-term or ongoing, which tests will be repeated, whether antiviral medicine is indicated, and how close contacts can be tested and vaccinated.