Dating hepatitis b

Can I date with hepatitis B?

Dating is a recurring topic on the Hepatitis B Information and Support List, and for good reason. Many think having a chronic (infectious) illness like hepatitis B makes them less than worthy of love and a normal life with a romantic partner.

What is hepatitis B (HBV)?

Hepatitis B is a virus that replicates in the liver but is also present at very high levels in the blood of people who are infected. The hepatitis B virus ( HBV) causes hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and can also cause long term liver damage. It is vaccine preventable.

What blood tests are used to diagnose hepatitis B?

Anti-HBc or HBcAb (hepatitis B core antibody) – this blood test remains positive indefinitely as a marker of past HBV infection. HBeAg (hepatitis B e-antigen) is generally detectable in patients with a new acute infection; the presence of HBeAg is associated with higher HBV DNA levels, thus, increased infectiousness.

What happens if you test positive for hepatitis B for 6 months?

If you test positive for the hepatitis B virus for longer than 6 months, this indicates that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection. All patients with chronic hepatitis B infections, including children and adults, should be monitored regularly since they are at increased risk for developing cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

What happens if you test positive for hepatitis B?

A person who receives a positive result on this test has an active hepatitis B infection. When this test comes back positive, a doctor will typically order additional testing to check whether the virus is the result of an acute or a chronic infection.

What are the different hepatitis B panel results?

The “Hepatitis B Panel” of Blood Tests. This test can only be fully understood by knowing the results of the first two tests (HBsAg and anti-HBs). A positive anti-HBc (or HBcAb) test result requires talking to your health care provider for a complete explanation of your hepatitis B status.

How long does it take for hepatitis B to show up?

In some cases, a person could be referred to a liver specialist for further evaluation. More Detailed Information About Hepatitis B Blood Tests. An acute hepatitis B infection follows a relatively long incubation period - from 60 to 150 days with an average of 90 days.

What does a Positive HBsAg test result mean?

A positive HBsAg test result means that you are infected and can spread the hepatitis B virus to others through your blood. anti-HBs or HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody) - A positive or reactive anti-HBs (or HBsAb) test result indicates that a person is protected against the hepatitis B virus.