Acute vs. Chronic Hepatitis B

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Acute Vs. Chronic

An acute infection or a chronic infection can occur when the Hepatitis B virus has infected an individual. An acute infection is said individuals first exposure to the virus. Most individuals infected with the virus do not show any symptoms, and often their bodies rid themselves of the virus without issue. However, after six months if the virus is still present in the body, it becomes what is known as a chronic infection. A blood test can be used to both diagnose the acute or chronic version of the Hepatitis B infection.

Age is a strong factor in regards to an acute version of the virus becoming a chronic infection. The younger an individual is when they are exposed to an acute version of the virus, the greater the risk of the acute infection becoming chronic.

More than 90% of infants that are infected will develop a chronic Hepatitis B infection
Up to 50% of young children between 1 and 5 years who are infected will develop a chronic Hepatitis B infection
5-10% of healthy adults 19 years and older who are infected will develop a chronic Hepatitis B infection (that is, 90% will recover from an exposure)

Hepatitis B and Childbirth

Most pregnant women do not know whether they are infected with Hepatitis B and can unknowingly pass the virus to their new-borns during childbirth. Therefore, since the risk of new-borns becoming chronically infected at birth is so high, the World Health Organization recommends that all infants receive the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine within 12-24 hours after birth.

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Childbirth and Vaccination

The recommendation for Hepatitis B vaccination of babies and children is so important because they are at the greatest risk of developing a chronic infection if they are not protected against the Hepatitis B virus as soon as possible.

Children Living With Hepatitis B Vaccine For Hepatitis B

Acute Hepatitis B Infection

Acute infection from the Hepatitis B virus can last up to six months – with or without symptoms being experienced – with transmission from the infected to those exposed possible during this time. A blood test can be performed at any time both to diagnose the presence of the virus or to deem an all clear. If the virus has been detected, the blood test should be periodically performed over a six month period to monitor both the health of the individuals liver and general progress towards recovery. When an individual has fully recovered from the acute infection, the virus will no longer be detected when a blood test is administered.

Following a Diagnosis

After diagnosis of the virus has been confirmed, it’s important for steps to be taken to ensure the virus does not spread. Sexual partner(s), family and household members should perform the relevant Hepatitis B blood test to ensure the virus has not spread to them. If the infection has not spread to them, they should begin the vaccination process if they have not received the Hepatitis B vaccine prior.

Newly Diagnosed Post Exposure Treatment

Symptoms of Acute Infection

Symptoms of an acute infection may include loss of appetite, joint and muscle pain, low-grade fever, and possible stomach pain. Although most people do not experience symptoms, they can appear 60-150 days after infection, with the average being 90 days or 3 months. Some people may experience more severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), or a bloated stomach. When symptoms are experienced, it is important to seek relevant medical care to ensure accurate and apt diagnosis.

Hepatitis C Co-Infection Hepatitis D Co-Infection

Hepatitis B and Hospitalisation

Hospitalisation for general support may be required if treatment is deemed necessary for an individual that has been diagnosed with an acute infection. The primary goal of this would be to ensure rest and the management of any symptoms that may appear in the infected individual. During the initial stages of the acute infection, a rare life-threatening condition called “fulminant Hepatitis” can occur. This condition requires immediate, urgent medical attention since a person can go into sudden liver failure.

Taking Care of Your Liver

Simple tips for taking care of your liver during a new infection is to avoid alcohol, stop or limit smoking, eat healthy foods, avoid greasy or fatty foods, and talk to your health care provider about your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and ask any other questions you may have during this time. Use of vitamins or supplements should be monitored during this time – as the use of these could cause more harm than good to an infected liver.

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Lasting Effects of Hepatitis B

Few, if any lasting effects can occur from an acute Hepatitis B infection. However, even following full recovery from an acute infection, the virus can remain in the liver in an inactive state. Whilst not dangerous in this state, if medication was to be taken to suppress the immune system, the virus may reactivate. Because of this, it’s important to tell all relevant health providers of any past Hepatitis B infection, so that if immune suppressing medication is required, steps can be taken to factor in the inactive Hepatitis B infection.

Adults Living With Hepatitis B Treatment Options for Hepatitis

Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

When the virus is still present following a six-month period, its diagnosis is switched from being an acute infection to a chronic infection. This means that the immune system of the infected individual was unavailable to rid the body of the virus, and it is still prevalent in the blood and liver in an active state.

Due to the lack of prevalent symptoms with an acute infection, it can come as a shock to an infected individual to learn that upon testing the virus has already progressed to a chronic state.

The good news is that most people with chronic Hepatitis B should expect to live a long and healthy life.

Drug Therapies

There are effective drug therapies that can control and even stop the Hepatitis B virus from further damaging a liver. There are also promising new drugs in the research pipeline that could provide a cure in the very near future. Although the risk of developing a serious liver disease or liver cancer is higher for those living with chronic Hepatitis B than those who are not infected, there are still many simple things a person can do to help reduce their risks.

General Care

Health Visits

Schedule regular visits every six months (or at least every year) with a liver specialist or a health care provider who is knowledgeable about Hepatitis B so they can monitor the health of your liver through blood tests or diagnostic imaging
Talk to your health care provider

Talk to your health care provider about whether treatment for your chronic Hepatitis B infection would be helpful in preventing serious liver disease or liver cancer. It is important to understand that not everyone is a candidate for treatment, but everyone with chronic HBV benefits from regular monitoring
Liver cancer screenings

Make sure that your health care provider screens you for liver cancer during your regular visits since early detection equals more treatment options and a longer life
Limit alcohol and smoking

Avoid or limit alcohol and smoking since both cause a lot of stress to your liver
Healthy diet

Eat a healthy diet with lots of vegetables since fried, greasy foods are hard on your liver