Hep B will always start with an acute (short term) infection that lasts for around 6 months.

Adults and hep B

Most adults who get acute hep B will recover and be protected from the virus for life. Around one in twenty people will not recover, and will develop chronic hep B, which is a lifelong illness with no cure.

Babies or young children and hep B

Most newborns or young children who get hep B do not recover. They will get chronic hep B.

Managing chronic hep B

Luckily, chronic hep B is easily managed, if the doctor regularly monitors you every six months. Some people may need to take treatment medicine, which is free for anyone who has a Medicare Card.

Click here to see our Detailed hep B information page >> 

Click here to see our Hepatitis B Testing Chart PDF >>

For more information phone the Hepatitis Infoline or speak to your doctor:

This page last updated 9 Jan 2018

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