hep b question cronic

[mikeagp]

my partner was diagnosed with hep b aprox 4 months ago.  today hes had test results come through and the doctor advised that he is still slightly infectious but showing negative in somthing (i think its a certain type of antibody).  doctor also advised him that it is now unlikely his body will get rid of the virus and that he will be a carrier/infectious for life.  he has another appointment in 3 months from now.  our question is how common is it for sufferes of acute hep b to still show the virus in their bodies after 4 months.  different things on the net suggest that its 6 to 8 months bofore a patient should be diagnosed as cronic hep b.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks

[mikeagp]

hi, what more information would you like.  many thanks mike

[meki]

*G*

Hey just a little something something on the side... Yanno?

ROFLMAO!

[stevenNYer]

Yes, yes...if you have a HepB question...see my agent Meki...who, by the way needs to stop asking for a bigger commission.  Your current rate is high enough....hahaha...Meki, you are too funny :)

Onto the Mikeagp:

There is no definately timeframe for clearing the HepB virus.  The 6-8 months are just average guideline numbers.  If you are an adult at the time of infection, the odds are still in your favor for clearance.  I heard of people who cleared it after 16 months.  So while it's not good news that your partner still has the virus at 4 months, from my understanding, it's not uncommon.  Hang in there.  And if your partner is infected as an adult, his prognosis should be excellent despite a chronic infection since it's a slow moving disease and there new treatment coming along.

[meki]

StevenNY is our Resident HepB Guru...

He'll probably check in later today or tomorrow.

I'm sorry - I don't have enough info on your questions to answer them correctly.

Meki