tailieunhanh - Living with Chronic Hepatitis B

A person is diagnosed as a "chronic carrier" when blood tests show that they are unable to get rid of the hepatitis B virus after six months. They are still able to pass the virus on to others because it can stay in their blood and liver for possibly a lifetime. Although many chronic carriers should expect to lead long healthy lives, they must be sure to see a doctor knowledgeable about hepatitis B (such as a "liver specialist") for regular check-ups at least once a year, or more if needed. There are simple lifestyle changes a person can. | Living with Chronic Hepatitis B A person is diagnosed as a chronic carrier when blood tests show that they are unable to get rid of the hepatitis B virus after six months. They are still able to pass the virus on to others because it can stay in their blood and liver for possibly a lifetime. Although many chronic carriers should expect to lead long healthy lives they must be sure to see a doctor knowledgeable about hepatitis B such as a liver specialist for regular check-ups at least once a year or more if needed. There are simple lifestyle changes a person can make to protect their health and new drug treatments that can benefit those who show signs of active liver disease. The goal is to reduce the risk of developing liver failure cirrhosis or liver cancer later in life. If you are a pregnant woman with a hepatitis B infection you are able to pass the virus to your newborn baby. Fortunately you can protect your newborn from an HBV infection by asking the doctor to give the hepatitis B vaccine immediately after you give birth. Be sure to check Pregnant Women and Hepatitis B for more information. If I don t feel sick can I still be a chronic carrier Many chronic carriers of hepatitis B can feel healthy and strong despite having the virus stay in their liver. They can be infected for a long time and not even know it. That is why hepatitis B is called a silent infection - many people have no symptoms. With a chronic infection the virus continues to attack and injure your liver for a long period of time even though you may feel healthy. By the time you feel sick enough to see a doctor however you could already have cirrhosis or liver cancer. So make sure you are tested for hepatitis B as soon as possible. Early detection can help protect those you love from a hepatitis B infection and decrease your risk of liver cancer through regular medical check-ups. Should I get the vaccine if I am a chronic carrier Unfortunately the hepatitis B vaccine is too late for chronic .