Hepatitis Treatment for the Newly Diagnosed: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Finding a Specialist

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It has several possible causes, including viruses (most commonly hepatitis A, B and C), alcohol, certain medications, and the immune system. This page focuses on viral hepatitis, which is what many people are told about after a blood test.

The types differ in important ways. Hepatitis A is generally acute and self-limited, meaning it usually runs its course. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic infections, meaning they may last a long time and are often watched over the years. Many people with chronic hepatitis feel fine for a long time, which is one reason testing matters.

Your test results may include unfamiliar terms such as antibodies, antigens, viral load or liver enzymes. These describe whether you have been exposed, whether the virus is active, and how your liver is doing. A licensed clinician can explain what your particular results mean for you.

Care for viral hepatitis has traditionally started with a confirming blood test and an evaluation of the liver. A clinician may look at blood work, imaging, or other assessments to understand how the liver is functioning. Which steps are used depends on the person and the clinician's judgment.

For hepatitis C, modern antiviral medication can often treat and clear the virus, and many people have been helped this way. For hepatitis B, antiviral therapy combined with regular monitoring is an effective way to manage the infection for many people. Whether any medication is appropriate is something only a licensed clinician decides after an evaluation. Prescription medicines are regulated by the FDA.

Hepatitis A is usually managed with rest and supportive care while the body recovers. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B are available and are regulated by the FDA. Vaccination and screening are best discussed with a licensed clinician, who can consider your history and circumstances. Screening is often discussed for people in higher-risk groups, such as certain birth cohorts, people who received blood transfusions before 1992, people who have injected drugs, and people born in regions where hepatitis B or C is more common. Being in one of these groups reflects circumstances, not blame.

A specialist in hepatitis B care, hepatitis C care, or liver health may help you understand what your diagnosis means and what questions are worth asking. These doctors often work with the liver every day. They may help you sort out what is known, what still needs to be checked, and what is realistic to expect.

A first visit generally involves reviewing your history, current symptoms, medications and any test results you bring. The clinician may suggest further evaluation to learn more about your liver. You can use the visit to ask questions at your own pace, and it can help to bring a list and a trusted person for support.

Questions you might ask include: Which type of hepatitis do I have, and is it acute or chronic? What does my liver look like right now? Is treatment something to consider in my case, and what are the regulatory and safety considerations? How often would follow-up be discussed? Should the people I live with ask about testing or vaccination? You can find licensed providers through Providers.plus.