Treatment for Hepatitis B

In most instances, individuals with acute Hepatitis B are able to spontaneously rid themselves of the infection.  For those patients that have a particularly violent form of Hepatitis B treatment with antiviral medications may be required.  Those with chronic Hepatitis B that have high levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase may also need antiviral treatment.  These antiviral medications prevent the hepatitis virus from replicating.  When a baby is born to an infected mother they are treated with antibodies to the Hepatitis B virus.  If this vaccine is administered within 12 hours of the baby being born there is a90% of the child getting Hepatitis B.