Hepatitis B

When dealing with hepatitis B, Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and can become chronic. Also known as HBV, it spreads through blood, sexual contact, and perinatal exposure, affecting over 250 million people worldwide. Understanding the virus starts with the three main pillars: how it’s transmitted, how the body reacts, and how we can intervene.

Key Aspects of Hepatitis B

The first pillar, transmission covers blood‑borne, sexual, and mother‑to‑child routes, dictates public‑health strategies. HBV vaccine is a safe, three‑dose series that creates immunity in more than 95 % of recipients dramatically lowers new infections. The second pillar, the body's immune response determines whether an acute infection clears or becomes chronic, shapes who needs close monitoring. Finally, treatment hinges on antiviral therapy such as tenofovir or entecavir, which suppress viral replication and protect liver function. These agents are the cornerstone of managing chronic disease and preventing cirrhosis or liver cancer.

With chronic infection, liver disease can progress from inflammation to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Regular monitoring of ALT levels, viral load, and imaging helps catch complications early. Lifestyle tweaks—avoiding alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying vaccinated against hepatitis A—reduce additional strain on the liver. For those already on antivirals, adherence is vital; missed doses can allow the virus to rebound and raise resistance risk.

Testing is another critical piece. HBV screening uses HBsAg, anti‑HBs, and anti‑HBc antibodies to identify infection stage and guides care decisions. Pregnant women are routinely screened to enable birth‑dose vaccine and immunoglobulin for newborns, slashing perinatal transmission rates. In high‑risk groups—healthcare workers, people who inject drugs, and individuals with multiple sexual partners—regular testing creates a safety net and informs timely treatment.

The articles below dive deeper into these themes. You’ll find easy‑to‑follow guides on vaccination schedules, side‑effect management for antivirals, lifestyle tips for liver health, and practical advice on navigating testing and follow‑up. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, caring for someone with chronic hepatitis B, or simply want to stay informed, these resources give you clear, actionable information to keep the virus under control.