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Home Health Library Hepatitis B
Serious severity · Gastroenterology

Hepatitis B

Viral liver infection · Chronic carrier risk

A blood-borne virus that can cause chronic liver inflammation, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Universal newborn vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention.

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At a glance
Prevalence
40 million Indian carriers
Typical age
Any age
Outlook
Vaccine-preventable
System
Gut
Reviewed by a verified Gastroenterology doctor
What causes it

Causes

  • Vertical (mother to baby)
  • Unsafe injections, blood
  • Unprotected sex
  • Sharing needles
  • Tattoo or piercing with unsterile tools
How it feels

Symptoms & effects

  • Often silent in chronic
  • Acute: jaundice, fatigue, dark urine
  • Right upper abdominal discomfort
  • Long-term: cirrhosis, cancer
How it’s treated

Treatment & cure

  • Universal HBV vaccination
  • Antiviral drugs (tenofovir, entecavir)
  • 6-monthly screening for cancer
  • Liver transplant in failure
  • Test partners and household
Staying ahead

Prevention

  • Hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns
  • Safe injection practices
  • Screen pregnant women
  • Use condoms
  • Avoid sharing personal items (razors, toothbrush)

Do’s

  • Get vaccinated and verify antibody
  • Disclose to dentist and surgeons
  • Avoid alcohol entirely if chronic
  • Annual liver ultrasound

Don’ts

  • Skip vaccination
  • Share razors or toothbrush
  • Drink heavily if positive
  • Stop antivirals without specialist
See a doctor immediately if

Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.

Top specialists

Top 4 doctors for Hepatitis B

Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.

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Best match
PP 1

Dr. Parth Patel

Gastroenterology · 6 yrs

0 (0)
Ahmedabad Institute Of Medical Service · P.N House
Next slot By appointment · ₹500
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RA 2

Dr. Rangholiya Ankur

MD Medicine · 11 yrs

0 (0)
Sarthi hospital · 3 rd floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹5000
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RS 3

Dr. Roshani Savaliya

MD Medicine · 7 yrs

0 (0)
new civil hospital surat · athwagate
Next slot By appointment · ₹1000
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BS 4

Dr. Bhargav Sagar

MD Medicine · 6 yrs

0 (0)
P P Savani Hospital · Surat
Next slot By appointment · ₹800
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Related conditions
GERD
Acid reflux · Heartburn
Appendicitis
Inflamed appendix · Surgical emergency
Celiac Disease
Gluten-triggered gut disorder
Disclaimer · This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment. Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.