Question
My son is 11 years old and has been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B for several years. At the time, the doctor said that since the child was too young and the liver was not fully developed, treatment was not possible and suggested waiting until he grows up. Now I want to know, for a situation like my son’s, is treatment currently necessary?
Answer
Chronic hepatitis B with high viral load requires active and correct treatment, especially for children whose immune systems are not fully developed and who need to pay more attention. Long-term hepatitis B virus infection can lead to liver function damage, even progressing to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is recommended to regularly check liver function and monitor the condition. If the liver function tests are normal, there is no need to worry excessively, but in daily life, it is important to avoid overexertion, not to take medications harmful to the liver, to drink plenty of water, eat more vegetables and fruits, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.