What does “hepatitis virus carrier” mean?

May 28, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, our school organized a physical examination, and one of my classmates was found to have hepatitis—specifically, he was diagnosed as a “hepatitis virus carrier.” What does “hepatitis virus carrier” mean?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Hepatitis virus carriers are individuals who harbor hepatitis viruses. Such carriers typically exhibit no clinical symptoms but can transmit the virus to healthy individuals. In general, antiviral therapy is not recommended for hepatitis virus carriers whose liver function remains normal and who show no evidence of liver damage or fibrosis. However, if significant fibrosis, cirrhosis, or other advanced liver disease develops, prompt treatment is advised to prevent disease progression and further transmission.