Hepatitis B is a virus that can affect the liver. Some people get hepatitis B for a short time and clear the virus. Other people live with long-term, or chronic, hepatitis B.

Many people with chronic hepatitis B feel well and have no symptoms. This does not always mean the liver is healthy. Hepatitis B can cause liver inflammation, scarring or liver cancer over time, which is why regular check-ups are important.

Why regular check-ups matter

If you have chronic hepatitis B, regular monitoring helps your healthcare team:

• check how your liver is working
• measure the amount of hepatitis B virus in your blood
• decide whether you need treatment
• check for liver scarring or liver cancer
• make sure any changes are found early.

Most people with chronic hepatitis B need liver check-ups every 6 to 12 months. Some people also need regular liver ultrasound scans, usually every 6 months, depending on their risk factors.

Not everyone with hepatitis B needs medication. For people who do need treatment, antiviral medicines can control the virus, reduce liver damage, and lower the risk of liver cancer. These medicines usually control hepatitis B rather than cure it.

What happens at your appointment

Your hepatitis B care may include:

• reviewing your blood test results
• discussion about symptoms, medicines, and general health
• checking whether you need hepatitis B treatment
• organising liver ultrasound or other tests, if needed
• advice about alcohol, medicines, pregnancy, family testing or vaccination
• planning your next check-up.

Some appointments may be suitable by telehealth or phone. Other appointments may need to be face-to-face, especially if you need an examination or additional tests.

Tests you may need

Your doctor or nurse may organise:

Your care team will explain which tests you need and how often.

Staying on track with your care

Hepatitis B monitoring is usually ongoing. Even if you feel well, it is important to keep having your regular check-ups.

You can help by:

• attending your appointments
• having blood tests or scans before your appointment if requested
• telling us if your contact details change
• letting us know early if you cannot attend your appointment
• staying in regular contact with your GP

When to seek urgent medical advice

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop:

• yellow skin or eyes
• severe abdominal pain
• vomiting blood or black bowel movements
• confusion or extreme drowsiness
• new swelling of the abdomen
• unexplained severe weakness

For urgent medical help, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.

Your GP and hepatitis B care

Your GP is an important part of your hepatitis B care. Some people can be safely monitored by their GP, while others need specialist care.

Austin Health may work with your GP to help organise blood tests, scans, treatment, and follow-up. This helps make sure your care continues between hospital appointments.

Questions to ask your healthcare team

You may want to ask:

• Do I need hepatitis B treatment?
• How often do I need blood tests?
• Do I need regular liver ultrasound scans?
• Can my GP manage some of my hepatitis B care?
• Should my family or household contacts be tested or vaccinated?
• Is telehealth suitable for my future appointments?

More information

Useful hepatitis B resources are available from:

Hepatitis Australia – Living with hepatitis B

Hepatitis B Community Forum