A.

The hepatitis B virus grows by multiplying and spreading in your liver.

Your doctor may take a simple blood test to check the amount of hepatitis B virus in your blood. This result, which is called your viral load, may help your doctor decide how to manage your condition. It's important to remember that your viral load can change over time. Visit your doctor regularly to closely monitor your condition, your viral load, and the health of your liver.

Your doctor may also perform other tests including:

• Liver function tests (such as ALT, AST) to show whether you have liver inflammation
• An HBeAg marker test to show whether the virus is multiplying
• An ultrasound which uses sound waves to obtain a picture of your liver
• A liver biopsy to examine a sample of your liver tissue to determine how much liver damage you may have

A.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, visiting your doctor regularly to monitor your condition, and getting treatment, if needed, are important to managing your chronic hepatitis B.

Here are some steps you can take to protect your health and the health of your liver:

• Ask your doctor about hepatitis A vaccination
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get regular exercise
• Do not smoke
• Do not drink alcohol
• Do not use illegal drugs
• Tell your doctor about medicines you are taking, including herbal medicines and vitamins

A.

The hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids:

• From an infected mother to her baby at birth
• Through person-to-person contact, such as unprotected sex
• Through exposure to contaminated items, such as needles

Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact—like hugging or eating a meal prepared by someone who has hepatitis B.

The hepatitis B virus is highly infectious. In fact, it is up to 100 times more infectious than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. That's why it is so important to be careful in preventing the spread of hepatitis B.

A.

If you have chronic hepatitis B, you can help protect your family and friends by taking some simple steps to prevent the spread of the hepatitis B virus.

To prevent the spread of hepatitis B:

• Encourage your family members—and anyone else who lives with you—to see their doctor to get tested. If they have not been infected, they should ask their doctor about hepatitis B vaccination.
• Cover any cuts and open sores
• Clean up spilled blood immediately with bleach and water
• Practice safe sex
• Carefully dispose of any items that contain blood or other body fluids
• Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching blood or bodily fluids
• Do not share personal items—such as toothbrushes and razors—that could have come into contact with your blood or body fluids
• Do not donate blood

A.

Talking to your doctor about chronic hepatitis B may seem overwhelming. But don't worry—your doctor wants to help you understand your condition and how it affects you.

If you haven't talked to your doctor about chronic hepatitis B, make an appointment today to start this important discussion. And even if your doctor has told you that you're fine in the past, don't be afraid to ask questions at every visit.

Remember—just because you may feel healthy now, this does not mean the virus has gone away. Your condition can change over time—even if you have no symptoms.

A.

Yes. There is currently no cure for chronic hepatitis B. But, there are treatments that may help to reduce your viral load, which may help your liver's condition improve. Only your doctor can decide if you need treatment. Talk to your doctor about treatment options that may be right for you.

Here are some questions to get the conversation started:

• "Do I need treatment for my chronic hepatitis B?"
• "How might treatment help me?"
• "If I do not need treatment now, how often should I be tested?"

For more questions to ask your doctor—and other valuable information—sign up for your FREE doctor discussion guide today. Sign up now