Q: I am 35 years old. Please advise me suitably for better life, as per the following reports: HBsAg = positive; HBcIgG = negative; Anti HCV = negative; HBV - DNA = negative; HBeAg = negative; HCV - RNA = Report awaited. Further reports are - urine culture is normal; alkaline phosphatase 203 Iu/L (normal 39 - 177); SGPT/ALT - 29; SGOT/AST - 29; serum bilirubin - 0.6 mg/dl. I am losing weight and my health is also reducing. What precautions do I need to take? What diet do I need to take? What foods should be avoided in the diet? What is HepB, is it equal to AIDS? Can I live a healthy life? Please advise. I have had sexual contacts but they were safe.

A:You are having Hepatitis B surface antigen positive in blood. You have not mentioned the time frame of the illness, but you are most likely to be a carrier. 1. The main precautions you need to take are to avoid alcohol and any hepatotoxic medicines; check any drug you take with your doctor. 2. Take a well-balanced diet, as regular diet and good rest is the key to management. 3. Though there are no dietary restrictions, alcohol, and unnecessary medicines have to be avoided. 4. Hepatitis B is viral hepatitis caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and is also called 'serum hepatitis'. HBV spreads through infected body fluids such as blood, saliva and breast milk. Infection usually occurs through contaminated blood transfusion, shared contaminated needles or syringes, or sexual intercourse There is no specific treatment for the acute symptoms of viral hepatitis. Bed rest, a healthy diet, avoidance of alcoholic beverages and fatty foods is recommended. Medications may include vitamins and pills to reduce nausea and vomiting. However, there is a risk of developing complications like cirrhosis or carcinoma, in patients who remain Hepatitis B positive for many years (small minority). It is not equal to AIDS, which is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). 5. Most probably, you will be able to lead a healthy life, since the majority of infections are self-limiting, and your HBV DNA is negative. 6. Stop worrying, and stay in touch with your doctor.