Answer:

The hepatitis B virus is a "silent killer", causing acute or chronic liver inflammation and necrosis. It can persist for many years without obvious signs. In its acute form (lasting less than six months), most adults can naturally clear the virus without experiencing clear symptoms.

In some cases, the disease progresses to a chronic stage, where the virus remains in the blood and liver long-term. In the chronic phase, the virus may not have yet damaged the liver, resulting in normal liver enzyme levels. This often leads many individuals to mistakenly believe they are not ill. However, when immune resistance declines or adverse factors arise, the virus can reactivate, causing rapid damage and increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

An estimated 7.6 million people in Vietnam are infected, but only 1.6 million have been diagnosed, and 45,000 are currently receiving treatment. Patients often do not experience specific symptoms, only fatigue, loss of appetite, and muscle aches, which are easily confused with everyday activities. Jaundice, dark urine, and liver pain only appear when the disease progresses or complications arise.

Hepatitis B progresses silently, without symptoms. Illustration: Vecteezy

People should not wait for symptoms but rather proactively get tested to detect hepatitis B. Tests such as HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, and HBeAg help determine the infection status, immunity, and activity level of the virus. Ultrasound, elastography, or liver biopsy are used to assess liver damage.

Most people with acute hepatitis B recover spontaneously with proper monitoring and treatment. Chronic hepatitis B requires adherence to a treatment regimen to control the virus and reduce complications. In severe cases of liver damage, a liver transplant may be an option.

Hepatitis B can be effectively prevented with a vaccine, with efficacy up to 95%. Vietnam offers both monovalent vaccines and combination vaccines with hepatitis A. The standard vaccination schedule involves three doses over six months. High-risk individuals may require four doses. Infants should receive the first dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by a combined vaccine. Everyone should undergo regular health check-ups, receive booster shots when antibody levels decrease, and maintain a safe lifestyle to limit infection.

Dr. Danh Thi My Hong

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

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