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