The acute illness usually goes away after 2 - 3 weeks. The liver usually returns to normal within 4 - 6 months in almost all patients who are infected. Some people develop chronic hepatitis.
Almost all newborns and about 50% of children who become infected with hepatitis B develop chronic hepatitis. Less than 5% of adults who are infected with the hepatitis B virus develop the chronic condition. Chronic hepatitis B infection increases the risk for liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. People who have chronic hepatitis B can transmit the infection. They are considered carriers of the disease, even if they do not have any symptoms.
Liver cancer is almost always fatal and often develops in people at an age when they are most productive and have family responsibilities.
In developing countries, most people with liver cancer die within months of diagnosis. In high-income countries, surgery and chemotherapy can prolong life for up to a few years.
What to expect if I have Hepatitis B  (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The acute illness usually goes away after 2 - 3 weeks. The liver usually returns to normal within 4 - 6 months in almost all patients who are infected. Some people develop chronic hepatitis.
Almost all newborns and about 50% of children who become infected with hepatitis B develop chronic hepatitis. Less than 5% of adults who are infected with the hepatitis B virus develop the chronic condition. Chronic hepatitis B infection increases the risk for liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. People who have chronic hepatitis B can transmit the infection. They are considered carriers of the disease, even if they do not have any symptoms.
Liver cancer is almost always fatal and often develops in people at an age when they are most productive and have family responsibilities.
In developing countries, most people with liver cancer die within months of diagnosis. In high-income countries, surgery and chemotherapy can prolong life for up to a few years.