What does hepatitis Be antigen positive mean?
HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) – A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with hepatitis B. This test can detect the actual presence of the hepatitis B virus (called the “surface antigen”) in your blood.
What is hepatitis testing positive?
► A reactive or positive antibody test means you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus at some point in time. ► Once people have been infected, they will always have antibodies in their blood. This is true if they have cleared the virus, have been cured, or still have the virus in their blood.
What is hepatitis antigen test?
The test is used to find out whether you have a recent or long-standing infection from the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV has proteins called antigens on its surface that cause your immune system to make antibodies. Hepatitis B surface antigens can be found in your blood within several weeks after the infection starts.
What is HBsAg positive symptoms?
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Dark-colored urine, light-colored stools. Fatigue. Abdominal pain.
What is the treatment of HBsAg positive?
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B may include: Antiviral medications. Several antiviral medications — including entecavir (Baraclude), tenofovir (Viread), lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera) and telbivudine (Tyzeka) — can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver.
Does hepatitis B go away?
In most cases, hepatitis B goes away on its own. You can relieve your symptoms at home by resting, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Also, find out from your doctor what medicines and herbal products to avoid, because some can make liver damage caused by hepatitis B worse.
How long do hepatitis B antibodies last?
Understand that hepatitis B vaccination-induced protective antibodies can last for up to 15 years, but appear to fall off over time. Patients who were vaccinated 10 to 15 years ago, especially those who were vaccinated as children, may not be adequately protected.
Why do doctors test for hepatitis?
The results of a blood test can confirm the type of viral hepatitis, the severity of the infection, whether an infection is active or dormant, and whether a person is currently contagious. A blood test can also confirm whether a virus is acute, meaning short term, or chronic, meaning long term.
Can you live a long life with hepatitis B?
Most people chronically infected with hepatitis B can expect to live long and healthy lives. Individuals with chronic HBV may not develop symptoms for up to 30 years. Damage to the liver can silently occur during this time.
Which is worse hepatitis B or C?
The study showed that in the two and a half decades after 1984, hepatitis B infection was more serious than hepatitis C. Now, in 2012, this difference is even greater. Chronic hepatitis C has become a curable disease. Chronic hepatitis B is manageable, but not yet curable.
How long can you live if you have hepatitis B?
Facts About Hepatitis B A “silent disease.” It can live in your body for 50+ years before you have symptoms. Responsible for 80 percent of all liver cancer in the world.
Can you live a normal life with hepatitis B?