- How can I prevent infecting others?
- About vaccines
- Who can be vaccinated for free in Ontario?
- Preventing chronic hepatitis B infection in adults
Preventing chronic hepatitis B infection is something that we normally don't have to worry about in adults. This is because the vast majority of adults with a new infection can fight off the infection on their own. Only 1 out of 20 may develop life long infection. However, some people may not be able to fight off the infection and they develop life long infection. These people generally have a weakened immune system. For example, people who take drugs that weaken their immune system (steroids, chemotherapy, transplant anti-rejection drugs, etc.) or people with HIV or other immune deficiency syndromes are less likely to fight off the infection. These people may benefit from treatment, even though studies have not yet been done to show that it is worthwhile.
When you are ready, you can move on to learn about the different treatments for hepatitis B.