PB
1
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.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 40 million Indian carriers
- Typical age
- Any age
- Outlook
- Vaccine-preventable
- System
- Gut
Reviewed by a practising 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
See all gastroenterology doctors Top 4 doctors for Hepatitis B
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
ZK
2
KC
3
UD
4
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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.