Hepatitis B (HBV) is the most common viral infection in the world, and one whose vaccine is the only effective vaccine against a form of cancer, yet a cure still eludes the medical world. Hepatitis B is notoriously difficult to treat.
Acute hepatitis B
No specific treatment exists for people who have acute hepatitis B infection. Treatment is usually aimed at managing symptoms of the disease and making the person comfortable. This could include:
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- Replacing fluids lost from symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea
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- A proper, balanced diet that excludes fatty foods
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- Vitamin and amino acid supplements
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- Bed rest for those who feel fatigued and unwell.
Sufferers are monitored through urine and blood tests to track the disease.
It can take up to six months for the symptoms of acute hepatitis B to clear. Around 90% of adults who develop acute hepatitis B will be rid of the disease at the end of this time period.
Chronic hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B sufferers are typically advised to avoid alcohol, as there are strong indications that alcohol could worsen and accelerate the progression of the disease.
There are drugs and anti-viral agents available for treatment of chronic hepatitis B, but the success of treatment is limited. The treatments are also expensive and not available or affordable for all sufferers. Interferon enhances the liver’s immune response to viruses, and does benefit some people, but each case of chronic hepatitis B is judged individually by medical specialists to establish whether this or any of the therapies available could benefit the sufferer.
People who develop cirrhosis could be considered for liver transplants. Chemotherapy and surgery can prolong life in those carriers who develop liver cancer.
Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day of you wanted to know more about the treatment of hepatitis B.