Hepatitis B
Alternative names:
acute hepatitis B
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis. Rest is recommended during the acute phase of the disease when the symptoms are most severe. People with acute hepatitis should avoid alcohol and any substances that are toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic). Some people with chronic hepatitis may respond to alpha-interferon therapy.
Support groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See liver disease - support group.
Expectations (prognosis):
The acute illness usually subsides after 2 to 3 weeks, and the liver returns to normal within 16 weeks. 10% of people infected may develop chronic hepatitis. There is a higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in those who have had hepatitis B virus infection than in the general population. Hepatitis B is fatal in approximately 1% of cases of acute hepatitis B.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of hepatitis B develop.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if hepatitis B symptoms do not resolve in 2 or 3 weeks, or if new symptoms develop.
Call your provider if you belong to a high risk group for hepatitis B and have not yet been vaccinated against the disease. Remember that vaccination is safe and free of adverse effects.
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