Final answer:
The usual course of an acute hep B infection includes an incubation period followed by possibly symptomatic weeks to months before resolution. Chronic infection may develop, more so in infants or the immunocompromised, leading to serious liver disease. Vaccination is important for prevention, and treatments focus on supportive care with antivirals for chronic cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The usual course of an acute hep B infection typically begins with an incubation period of around 120 days. Following this, individuals may develop symptoms such as jaundice, nausea, and joint pain. Most acute hepatitis B infections are self-limited, resolving within a few weeks to months. However, in some cases, particularly among infants or those with weakened immune systems, the infection can become chronic leading to liver complications like cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Adults have a 6-10% risk of chronic infection, while up to 90% of infected infants may become chronic carriers.
To prevent hepatitis B, vaccinations are highly recommended. The vaccine is included in the standard vaccination schedule for children and also advised for adults at higher risk of exposure. Despite preventive measures, there's no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B other than supportive care; chronic cases may be treated with antiviral medications.