Is a positive hepatitis B surface antigen serious?

Generally speaking, the severity of a positive hepatitis B surface antigen result mainly depends on the patient's specific health condition and the activity of the hepatitis B virus. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If a person with positive hepatitis B surface antigen also presents with high hepatitis B virus DNA levels, abnormal liver function, or liver ultrasound indicating fibrosis, cirrhosis, or other lesions, it indicates active viral replication and existing liver damage, which signifies a relatively serious condition. Without timely intervention, liver damage may worsen further, increasing the risk of developing severe liver disease, so standardized treatment should be initiated promptly.

If a person with positive hepatitis B surface antigen has low or undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA levels, consistently normal liver function, and no significant abnormalities on liver imaging tests, it indicates suppressed viral replication with no notable impact on the liver, suggesting a relatively non-serious condition. These individuals are often hepatitis B surface antigen carriers and generally do not require immediate treatment, but long-term monitoring of disease progression is necessary.

Patients should undergo regular testing for hepatitis B virus DNA levels, liver function, and liver ultrasound to monitor disease progression; avoid alcohol consumption, staying up late, drug abuse, or other behaviors that may damage the liver; follow medical advice for standardized medication if treatment is required, and should not discontinue or adjust medication dosage without authorization; family members should receive hepatitis B vaccination and take proper protective measures to reduce the risk of infection.