FAQs
Individuals with certain risk factors are at increased risk for chronic hepatitis B, including those born to a mother with chronic hepatitis B, healthcare workers with frequent exposure to blood or bodily fluids, individuals who have unprotected sex with someone who is infected with hepatitis B, and those who share needles, razors, or other personal items that may contain infected blood.
Early detection of hepatitis B can be done through a blood test called the HBsAg test. This test can detect the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the body, even if an individual is asymptomatic.
Yes, a positive HBsAg test result can indicate chronic hepatitis B. However, additional testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of liver damage and disease progression.
While there is no cure for hepatitis B, early detection and treatment can significantly improve an individual’s long-term health outcomes. Treatment can slow or stop the virus from reproducing in the body, reducing the risk of liver damage and complications.
While chronic hepatitis B is not directly caused by genetics, certain genetic variations have been linked to an increased risk of the disease in some populations. Additionally, individuals with a family history of chronic hepatitis B are at increased risk of developing the disease themselves.
