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One of the most dangerous aspects to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is that many people do not have noticeable symptoms. This makes HBV a truly invisible enemy because people who have the disease can unknowingly pass it on to others.
HBV infection may cause flu-like symptoms, such as:
- Extreme tiredness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
Other symptoms may include joint pain, dark brown urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
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You may also have hepatitis B and feel perfectly fine. Even if you don't have any symptoms, but think you may be infected with HBV, it is important that you visit your doctor or clinic right away. A simple blood test can easily determine whether or not you have been infected.
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Evidence of current or prior HBV infection can be found by the presence of specific markers in the blood. A simple blood test, called the hepatitis B blood panel, will determine if any of these markers are present in your bloodstream. This test is not included in standard blood tests taken during routine physical examinations, so be sure to ask for it if you think you are at risk.
The description of the hepatitis B blood markers and the chart below can help you better understand your hepatitis B test results.
- The hepatitis B "surface antigen" (HBsAg) is part of the hepatitis B virus that is found in the blood of someone who is infected. If this test is positive, then the hepatitis B virus is present.
- The hepatitis B "surface antibody" (HBsAb or anti-HBs) is formed in response to the hepatitis B virus or vaccine. If this test is positive, then your immune system has successfully developed a protective antibody against the hepatitis B virus. This can provide long-term protection against future hepatitis B infection. Someone who is surface antibody positive is not infected, and cannot pass the virus on to others.
- The hepatitis B "core antibody" (HBcAb or anti-HBc) does not provide any protection or immunity against the hepatitis B virus. A positive test indicates that a person may have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus.
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If you are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, your healthcare provider will likely perform additional tests to determine whether treatment is indicated and if there is evidence of liver damage. These include the HBeAg and HBV-DNA tests, which indicate the amount of virus in the blood (viral load), and the ALT test, which indicates active liver damage.
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Hepatitis B infection is considered to be "acute" for the first six months after exposure to the virus. This is the average amount of time it takes to recover from an HBV infection and develop immunity from future infection. If you still test positive after six months, you are considered to have a "chronic" hepatitis B infection that in most cases will last a lifetime.
Whether or not you recover in six months from your HBV infection could depend on if you were infected as an adult, child or baby.
- HBV infected adults — 90 percent of adults will get rid of the virus and recover without any problems; 10 percent will develop chronic hepatitis B
- Young children — 40 percent will get rid of the virus and recover without problems; 60 percent will develop a chronic hepatitis B infection
- Babies — 90 percent will become chronically infected; only 10 percent will be able to get rid of the virus
The earlier hepatitis B infection is detected, the more treatment options you will have.
Learn more about possible treatment options. Click here.
Patients should be aware of
Important Safety Information about Hepsera and may read additional
patient information.
It is important that you discuss your
treatment options and any questions that you may have with your healthcare
provider.
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