What is the first treatment tried for hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B can be a recent infection or a longer-term infection. The clinician checks viral markers, liver enzymes, and signs of liver inflammation before choosing a plan. A Liver Function Test helps show how the liver is responding, but it does not by itself decide whether antiviral medicine is needed.

Some people need regular review rather than immediate medicine, while others benefit from antiviral treatment to reduce viral activity and protect the liver. The decision also considers pregnancy, other illnesses, medicines, and immune health.

Arrange a medical review and take any requested blood tests. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, previous liver results, and information about possible exposure. Avoid alcohol until a clinician has discussed your liver results, and do not start herbal products without checking first.

Use condoms until a clinician explains how to protect partners, and ask household or sexual contacts about Hepatitis B Vaccination. Do not share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or anything that may carry blood.

Seek urgent medical help for yellow skin or eyes with confusion, severe drowsiness, vomiting blood, black stools, marked abdominal swelling, or sudden severe abdominal pain. Contact a clinician promptly if you cannot keep fluids down or develop worsening weakness.

Ask whether the infection appears recent or long-lasting, which blood tests are needed, how often your liver should be checked, and whether antiviral medicine is appropriate now. Ask how to protect people close to you and whether vaccination is suitable for them.