Is There a Cure for Hepatitis B?
When a person is infected with the
hepatitis B virus, there is only one cure -- time. If signs and symptoms do occur, treatment is supportive, which means treating the symptoms and possible complications while the body fights the virus.
Fortunately, in most cases, the body is able to effectively kill the
hepatitis B virus. In fact, most people who are infected virus never develop
hepatitis B symptoms, or they develop minor symptoms. In most cases, there are no long-term effects.
For those who do develop long-term hepatitis B (known as chronic hepatitis B), medicines are available. While these medicines will not cure hepatitis B, they may lower virus levels in the body to an undetectable level. Medicine is not recommended for everyone who has a chronic infection.
Prevention Is the Best Hepatitis B Cure
The best hepatitis B cure is preventing it from happening in the first place.
Methods to help prevent infection can include:
- Getting vaccinated: The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is highly effective and can keep you from ever getting the disease. It is given as a three-shot series. For infants, the first dose can be given shortly after birth.
- Avoiding high-risk situations: This includes such things avoiding unprotected sex, as well as things that might have someone else's blood on them, such as a razor or toothbrush.
