If you are receiving hepatitis B medications, you will need to be monitored very closely by your provider. You may need blood tests every 3 to 6 months to monitor the viral load and the ALT level and other hepatitis B tests (such as "e antigen," which often occurs when the viral load is high), and you will need to see your provider regularly as well.

Besides taking medication, what else can I do to stay healthy if I have hepatitis B?

If you have chronic hepatitis B, here are some suggestions on how to keep yourself healthy:

• Avoid alcohol completely.
• Do not smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid unsafe sex.
• Avoid sharing needles.
• Ask your provider about tests to check for liver damage.
• Check with your provider about the hepatitis A vaccination.
• Be up to date on vaccinations for influenza, pneumonia, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, and shingles.
• Learn how to protect yourself from other hepatitis viruses.