• Infections

Is There a Cure for Hepatitis B?

Medically reviewed and edited by Dr. Banita Sehgal

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Though this infection affects both men and women, symptoms may differ amongst the sexes. There are two different forms of hepatitis B, namely acute and chronic hepatitis B.

Acute hepatitis B

Acute hepatitis B is a mild to severe short-term illness. After the initial incubation period of 30 to 180 days, the first signs of hepatitis B appear.

These symptoms may be mild and may not even be present in some cases, while certain individuals will experience symptoms so severe they’ll require hospitalization.

This period lasts for six months and either ends with the infection clearing up or the individual developing chronic hepatitis B. In cases where the virus clears up, people are no longer infectious and go on to develop natural immunity to future hepatitis B infections.

Chronic hepatitis B

If the acute phase of hepatitis B does not clear up after six months, the condition turns into chronic hepatitis B.

This means that the person’s immune system is unable to contain the virus and it remains in the body where it replicates.

People with chronic infection can still spread the disease.

Those with chronic hepatitis B are more prone to liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. There is about a 100 times greater relative risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) with a chronic hepatitis B infection.

Can Hepatitis B Be Cured?

While there is a hepatitis B vaccine, there is currently no cure. After being infected with HBV, the body either clears the virus up on its own or a chronic infection develops.

If you are exposed to the virus, there are options available to prevent infection. These treatments are known as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).

The hepatitis B vaccine is typically given immediately after exposure to the virus to stimulate immunity before the virus can cause infection. PEP can be administered alone or with hepatitis B antibodies.

Babies born to mothers with acute or chronic hepatitis B require immunization and antibodies within 12 hours after birth to reduce the risk of infection as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines.

How Can I Prevent Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B may be incurable, but it’s highly preventable. Here are some things you can do to decrease your chances of contracting the virus:

• Both you and your partner should get vaccinated

• Use postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) if you’ve been exposed to the virus

• Practice safe sex

• If you’re a health care worker with a high risk of exposure, use personal protective equipment (PEP)

• Get tested and encourage your partner to do the same

• Do not share needles or syringes

• Practice good hygiene and always wash your hands after potential exposure to the virus — for example, after cleaning up blood or other bodily fluids

Hepatitis B vaccine

The hepatitis B vaccines currently used in the U.S. are known as recombinant vaccines. These vaccines do not use live, weakened forms of the virus to stimulate immunity — in other words, the vaccine cannot infect you with hepatitis B.

The first dose of the vaccine is usually followed by two or three booster shots to create a more effective immune response.

In newborns and children, hepatitis B vaccinations are often given along with other vaccinations in the same injection. Combination vaccinations include Pediarix®, which covers diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio.

An adult combination vaccination also exists and is known as Twinrix®, which covers both hepatitis A and B immunizations.

Hepatitis B is included in the U.S. Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.

Immune modulator drugs

These drugs include interferon ɑ (read as inter-fear-on-alpha) and pegylated interferons.

These medications are given as injections and act as chemokines (a type of chemical messenger) which stimulate other cells to increase their own defenses.

What are the Treatment Options for Hepatitis B?

If you have been diagnosed, there are a few different ways to treat chronic hepatitis.

Medications

This includes medications like tenofovir (TDF), lamivudine (3TC), entecavir, and adefovir. These are antiviral drugs used to decrease the amount of virus in your body, limit the damage to your liver, and decrease the risk of transmission.

Treatment of hepatitis B complications

If chronic hepatitis B has caused complications like liver failure, cirrhosis, and cancer, other medical interventions — such as a liver transplant — may be required.

Where Can I Learn More About Hepatitis B?

Do you have a question or concern about hepatitis B vaccinations and treatments? LifeMD can help. Visit our site to book your first telehealth consultation, today.

Dr. Banita Sehgal

Dr. Sehgal received her medical degree from Western University in Los Angeles and trained as Chief Resident at White Memorial Medical Center, also in Los Angeles. She’s been practicing medicine for 20+ years and has a specific interest in women’s health.

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