Hepatitis B: Infectious Risks and Recovery Insights

Hepatitis B transmission issues?

Hello Dr.
Chen, I was recently hospitalized due to illness and underwent a hepatitis B test.
It was found that my HBs Ag is 0 (Nonreactive) but my HBc IgG is 5.46 (Reactive).
Currently, my GOT/GPT levels are both 28.
The doctor informed me that I previously had hepatitis B but have since recovered and have antibodies (although there is a possibility of having a very low level of inactive virus).
I was quite surprised because I was never aware that I had hepatitis B.
However, I would like to ask if I am still infectious at this point (for example, in sexual relations with my partner).
Another question, which may be more difficult to answer, is how long it typically takes for someone with self-healing hepatitis B (like my situation) to reach a state of recovery similar to mine.
Thank you.

Fred Chang, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/22

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

In Taiwan, a significant proportion of the middle-aged and elderly population has been exposed to the hepatitis B virus, with most having developed antibodies and exhibiting no infectiousness.
However, about 10-20% are chronic carriers of hepatitis B, often remaining carriers for life, and require regular monitoring.

Reply Date: 2024/03/22

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding Hepatitis B and your current health status. It’s great to hear that you are recovering and have been informed about your Hepatitis B status. Let’s break down your concerns regarding infectious risks and recovery insights.

Understanding Your Hepatitis B Status
From your test results, it appears that you are HBsAg negative and have a reactive HBc IgG. This indicates that you have been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the past and have developed antibodies against it, which suggests that your body has successfully cleared the virus. The presence of HBc IgG means that you have had a past infection, but since HBsAg is nonreactive, it indicates that there is no active infection currently.

Infectious Risks
Regarding your question about transmissibility, since you are HBsAg negative, you are not considered infectious. This means that you do not pose a risk of transmitting the virus to others, including your partner during sexual activity. The primary concern for transmission of Hepatitis B is the presence of HBsAg, which indicates active viral replication. Since you do not have this antigen, you are not contagious.

However, it is essential to note that while you are not infectious, there is a possibility of having low levels of inactive virus in your system, which is sometimes referred to as "occult" Hepatitis B. This is rare and typically does not pose a significant risk of transmission, but it is something to be aware of. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is advisable to monitor your liver function and ensure that there are no complications.

Recovery Timeline
As for your second question regarding the timeline for recovery from Hepatitis B, it can vary significantly among individuals. Generally, acute Hepatitis B infection can resolve within a few weeks to six months. Most individuals will clear the virus and develop immunity within this timeframe. However, some may experience a prolonged recovery period, especially if they have underlying health conditions or if the infection was severe.

In your case, since you were unaware of having had Hepatitis B, it is possible that you had a mild or asymptomatic infection. Many people do not realize they have been infected, as symptoms can be mild or absent altogether. The timeline for developing immunity and clearing the virus can vary, but typically, if a person is going to recover, they will do so within six months of the initial infection.

Conclusion
In summary, based on your current test results, you are not infectious, and it appears that you have successfully cleared a past Hepatitis B infection. It is always a good idea to maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your liver health and ensure that you remain virus-free. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

Take care, and I wish you continued health and recovery!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Hepatitis B: Infection, Epidemiology, and Public Health Interventions

Public health perspectives on hepatitis B include various aspects such as transmission, epidemiology, prevalence, treatment and prognosis, morbidity and mechanisms, as well as public health interventions. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with infectious body...

Dr. Hong Shouhong reply Family Medicine
Chronic hepatitis is most commonly caused by chronic viral hepatitis, which can be divided into two types: hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Once infected, if the body is unable to produce antibodies to eliminate the virus, the virus may persist in the liver, potentially leading to a ...

Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Risks and Recovery Insights

Hello, Doctor: I have been diagnosed as a healthy carrier of hepatitis B. How long does it take for the carrier status to resolve? Also, can kissing transmit the virus to my girlfriend? I found an article online, and I'm unsure if it's accurate, so I would like a profes...

Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. In Taiwan, once infected with hepatitis B, there is a high probability of becoming a lifelong carrier, so if hepatitis B is detected, regular follow-up is essential. 2. The concentration of hepatitis B virus in human blood or semen is relatively high, while other fluids...

Urgent Help Needed: Managing Severe Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms

Hello Dr. Chen, I have not been previously diagnosed with hepatitis B or C. On October 17, I visited a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology clinic due to fatigue and jaundice. Blood tests showed GOT: 2000, GPT: 4000, T-bil: 10.7, HBsAg: 1801, Anti-HBc IgM: 39.98, Anti-HAV: negativ...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Mr. Lee, 1. When starting the medication, the antiviral effect has not fully suppressed the virus yet, so there may still be a short-term upward trend. It is advisable to be hospitalized for close observation. Changing the medication may not have a significant effect, but a...

Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Management, and Health Concerns

Dr. Ke: Hello! I would like to ask you a few questions, please respond, thank you! 1. I had hepatitis B when I was younger, but I recovered. My boyfriend is a carrier of hepatitis B; will he transmit it to me? 2. Is it true that a hepatitis B carrier will never fully recover? ...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Vivian: 1. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through blood transfusions and injections; it is not transmitted through food. 2. Chronic carriers of Hepatitis B are not easily cured, but there are new treatment options available. Please follow up with a hepatology clinic f...