According to Master of Science, Doctor Pham Khac Khiem, from the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Pancreatology at Tam Anh Hanoi General Hospital, many individuals infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) for extended periods show no symptoms or signs of liver damage on tests. Proactive screening for HBV helps detect the virus early, enabling timely monitoring, treatment, and prevention of complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Doctor Khiem highlights several key recommendations for individuals with hepatitis B virus infection to follow to prevent disease progression.

**Regular Disease Monitoring**

Individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infection require regular examinations. These check-ups monitor viral activity, assess liver damage (if any), and facilitate early detection of HBV-related complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Patients diagnosed with HBV who do not yet require medication, or those who have been treated for a period and whose viral load has dropped below detectable levels in the blood, all need regular follow-up appointments as prescribed. In reality, a low viral load can still progress to liver cancer without close monitoring. This consistent oversight aids in early detection of liver damage for timely intervention, while also screening for complications, thereby improving the prognosis.

Doctor Khiem recommends that individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infection undergo regular liver health check-ups every six months. A doctor may order liver function tests, HBV DNA viral load assessments, liver ultrasounds, and other necessary tests for liver cancer screening.

Doctor Khiem advises a patient. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

**Adherence to Prescribed Medication**

Individuals prescribed antiviral medication for treatment must take their medication at the correct dose, on time, and should not stop it independently. Patients who do not adhere to these principles may reduce treatment effectiveness and risk viral flare-ups, which could lead to liver failure.

**Controlling Factors That Worsen the Disease**

Beyond hepatitis B virus, numerous other factors can damage the liver and accelerate the progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer. These include alcohol intake, metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Patients should limit alcoholic beverages, maintain a healthy weight, and eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Additionally, regular exercise and good control of metabolic diseases can reduce the burden on the liver.

Ly Nguyen