Hepatitis B Specialists in Karnataka
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver, caused by the hepatitis B virus, which can lead to both acute short-term illness and, in some individua…
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can hepatitis B be cured?
Acute hepatitis B usually clears on its own in adults, but chronic hepatitis B currently has no complete cure, though antiviral medication effectively suppresses the virus and reduces the risk of long-term liver damage.
Is hepatitis B hereditary?
No, it's not genetically inherited, but it can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, which is why screening pregnant women and vaccinating newborns at birth is so important.
Can I get hepatitis B from casual contact?
No, hepatitis B spreads through blood and specific body fluids, not through casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or coughing, so everyday social contact with an infected person is safe.
How often should someone with chronic hepatitis B be monitored?
Regular blood tests and periodic liver imaging, typically every six to twelve months, are recommended to detect early signs of cirrhosis or liver cancer, even when feeling well.
Is the hepatitis B vaccine effective?
Yes, it's highly effective at preventing infection and is recommended as a birth dose for all newborns, which has substantially reduced new infections in countries with widespread vaccination programmes.