Is being HBsAg positive a good or bad thing?

HBsAg and anti-HBc positive (commonly referred to as "1 and 5 positive") in hepatitis B tests usually indicates the recovery phase of infection, which is generally a positive sign. However, it could also be caused by acute infection or chronic hepatitis, which would be considered unfavourable. If physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for appropriate management.

If a patient was previously in the "big three positive" state of hepatitis B and has undergone treatment or experienced immune system effects, resulting in seroconversion of the HBeAg, transitioning to "1 and 5 positive," it may indicate that the hepatitis B condition is becoming stable, which is a sign of improvement. Some patients may remain in the "1 and 5 positive" state for a long time but maintain normal liver function and have a low hepatitis B virus DNA load. Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor any changes in their condition.

In the early stage of acute hepatitis B infection, patients may present as "1 and 5 positive." For individuals who have been vaccinated against hepatitis B but have low antibody levels, being "1 and 5 positive" might indicate waning vaccine effectiveness or a decline in immunity. Although this suggests viral activity in the body, standard antiviral therapy can effectively control the disease and prevent its progression.

In daily life, maintaining good lifestyle habits and avoiding alcohol consumption and excessive fatigue can help improve treatment outcomes.