Acute hepatitis B infection does not usually need treatment because most adults clear the infection spontaneously. Early antiviral treatment may only be required in few patients whose infection takes a very aggressive course or who are immunocompromised. Although none of the available drugs can clear the infection, they can stop the virus from replicating thus, minimizing liver damage. Interferon treatment may help reduce viral multiplication in the liver reducing the amount of virus particles as measured in the blood. Infants born to mothers known to carry hepatitis B infection can be treated with antibodies to the virus. When given with the vaccine within 12 hours of birth, the risk of acquiring hepatitis B is reduced 90%.This treatment allows a mother to safely breastfeed her child.
Attribution: Avallain
See also:
- Hepatitis b
- Prevention of hepatitis b
- Vaccination against hepatitis b
- Hepatitis b & pregnancy
- Recovery from hepatitis b