If you have recently been diagnosed with hepatitis B, or you are worried about your risk, it is completely normal to have one urgent question: can hepatitis B be cured? The answer depends on whether the infection is acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and what your test results show.

At Midnight Pharmacy in Bradford, we regularly support patients who want clear information without medical jargon. We also help people protect themselves with vaccination where appropriate, including travellers, healthcare workers, and anyone at increased risk of exposure heading to high-risk destinations.

This guide explains what hepatitis B is, what cure really means, what hepatitis B treatment may involve, and why vaccination remains one of the most important steps you can take.

If you would like advice or want to book a vaccine appointment, contact us today.

What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. Some people have no symptoms, while others feel very unwell. The virus can be passed on through blood and certain body fluids, which means it can spread in specific situations such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, needlestick injuries, or from mother to baby during pregnancy.

Many people only discover they have hepatitis B after a blood test, which can feel frightening. However, with proper monitoring and support, many people live well with hepatitis B.

Acute Vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Why It Matters

To understand whether hepatitis B can be cured, it helps to know the difference between acute and chronic infection.

Acute hepatitis B is a short-term infection. Many adults clear the virus naturally within a few months. In these cases, the body’s immune system removes the virus, and the person recovers without needing long-term medication.

Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term infection. This happens when the virus remains in the body for more than six months. Chronic hepatitis B may require ongoing monitoring and, for some patients, antiviral medicines as part of hepatitis B treatment.

The difference matters because acute infection can resolve completely, while chronic infection is usually managed rather than “cured” in the traditional sense.

If you are unsure what type you have, speak to your healthcare provider for interpretation of your results.

Can Hepatitis B Be Cured?

A clear and honest answer is:

Acute hepatitis B can often be cleared naturally, which many people consider a cure

Chronic hepatitis B cannot usually be fully cured, but it can often be controlled very effectively with hepatitis B treatment and regular monitoring

For chronic hepatitis B, the aim is usually to reduce the amount of virus in the body, protect the liver from damage, and lower the risk of long-term complications. Many patients achieve excellent control and live normal lives with the right care.

If you have been diagnosed, it is important not to rely on online advice alone. Getting proper follow-up makes a big difference.

What Does Hepatitis B Treatment Involve?

Not everyone with hepatitis B needs immediate medication. Some people, especially those with mild disease and stable blood tests, may only need monitoring. Others may benefit from antiviral treatment.

Hepatitis B treatment may include:

• –> Regular blood tests to monitor liver function
• –> Viral load monitoring to see how active the virus is
• –> Ultrasound scans if recommended
• –> Antiviral medicines for patients who meet clinical criteria
• –> Lifestyle advice to protect liver health

Common antiviral medicines used in long-term management may include options such as tenofovir or entecavir, depending on individual factors and specialist advice.

It is also important to avoid anything that can put extra strain on the liver, such as excess alcohol or unsafe supplements.

Why Early Diagnosis And Monitoring Matters

Chronic hepatitis B can sometimes be silent for years. People may feel well while liver inflammation slowly develops. This is why monitoring is so important, even if you feel fine.

With the right support, hepatitis B treatment and follow-up can:

• –> Reduce liver inflammation
• –> Lower the risk of scarring (cirrhosis)
• –> Reduce the risk of liver failure
• –> Reduce the risk of liver cancer
• –> Support long-term health and quality of life

If you have hepatitis B, make sure you attend follow-up appointments and do not ignore repeat testing.

The Importance Of Vaccination

One of the most important points we share with patients is that hepatitis B is often preventable. Vaccination offers strong protection and is recommended for many people, especially those at increased risk.

Vaccination may be particularly important if you are:

• –> Travelling to areas where hepatitis B is more common
• –> A healthcare worker or student in clinical training
• –> A partner or household contact of someone with hepatitis B
• –> At risk through sexual exposure
• –> Getting tattoos or piercings while abroad
• –> Someone who may need regular medical procedures

The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as a course of injections. In some situations, an accelerated schedule may be available, especially for travel, but suitability depends on your timeline and health status.

At Midnight Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we can support you with vaccine appointments and travel health advice. If you are unsure whether you need protection, reach out to us to discuss your risk and options.

Can You Still Get Hepatitis B If You’ve Been Vaccinated?

Vaccination is highly effective, but no vaccine is 100% guaranteed. However, for most people, it provides strong protection and significantly reduces risk.

If you are in a high-risk group, you may be advised to have a blood test to confirm immunity, especially if you were vaccinated a long time ago or have a weakened immune system.

If you would like to check your status, speak to a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Been Exposed?

If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, do not wait. Prompt medical advice matters. In some cases, post-exposure treatment may be available, depending on your vaccine status and the type of exposure.

Seek urgent advice if:

• –> You have had a needlestick injury
• –> You have had unprotected sex with a known positive partner
• –> You have shared needles or injecting equipment
• –> You have had a blood exposure incident

Support In Bradford From Midnight Pharmacy

So, can hepatitis B be cured? Acute infections often clear, while chronic infections are usually managed with long-term hepatitis B treatment and monitoring. The most important thing is getting the right medical support and protecting yourself and others where possible.

If you want to reduce your risk, vaccination is one of the most effective steps you can take. Midnight Pharmacy in Bradford is here to support you with travel health planning, vaccine services, and clear advice.

Contact us today to ask about appointments or to book your hepatitis B vaccine course.

This blog was written on behalf of Midnight Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.