Can children recover from hepatitis B infection on their own?

Generally, whether children can spontaneously recover from hepatitis B infection depends on the age at infection and their immune status. Older children may recover on their own, while infants and very young children often cannot. If there are concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice early. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If a child is infected with hepatitis B at an older age—such as over 5 years old—when the immune system is relatively mature, the body may recognize and eliminate the hepatitis B virus. Some children may achieve spontaneous recovery within 6 months after infection, with the hepatitis B surface antigen turning negative and protective antibodies developing. This situation usually occurs during acute infection in children without underlying immune deficiencies, whose bodies can control the virus through their own immune mechanisms.

If a child is infected during infancy, such as newborns or infants under one year of age, the immune system has not yet fully developed and is unable to effectively clear the virus. In most cases, this leads to chronic hepatitis B infection, with a very low chance of spontaneous recovery. The virus may remain latent in the body for a long time and gradually damage the liver. Without timely intervention, serious complications such as cirrhosis may develop, requiring long-term monitoring and treatment.

After a child is infected with hepatitis B, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to determine the type of infection and viral load. Liver function and viral markers should be regularly monitored to track disease progression. Children who meet vaccination criteria should receive the hepatitis B vaccine in a timely manner to reduce the risk of infection. Chronic carriers must undergo standardized management under a doctor's guidance to prevent disease progression.