Health check up
Many diseases can be diagnosed in the preliminary and early stages - for example with the help of a health check-up. Between the ages of 18 and 35, you are entitled to one check-up.. From the age of 35, you are entitled to a check-up every third year, regardless of risk factors. Since October 2021, patients are entitled to a one-off examination for hepatitis B and C virus infections during this health check-up.
Firstly, your/a doctor will draw-up a comprehensive picture of your state of health by asking you questions about any symptoms, previous illnesses and lifestyle. They will then determine a family history of certain diseases, such as diabetes. Subsequently, there is a full physical examination, during which blood pressure is taken;heart rate is measured and vaccination status is checked, amongst other things. Depending on the age of the patient and any existing risk factors; blood and urine samples are also collected and examined. If an illness is already present or suspected , the doctor will arrange for any further examinations and will enact any suitable and necessary measures.
Important stages from diagnosis to therapy
It is difficult to distinguish the symptoms of acute viral hepatitis D from another form of acute hepatitis.
If you have not been vaccinated against hepatitis B (HBV) and are at risk of contracting HBV or HDV , see your doctor for clarification and guidance. If you knowingly become acutely infected with hepatitis B (HBV), there is the possibility of post-exposure prophylaxis, which must be initiated within forty-eight hours
To find out whether you have contracted HBV or HDV, your blood will be tested in a laboratory.
If a HBV infection is confirmed, testing for hepatitis delta (HDV) should then take place immediately. Additionally, you should receive a referral to a liver specialist (hepato-gastroenterologist).
A hepatologist is a medicalspecialists for liver disease who will examine you in the hospital or in a doctor's office.
A HDV test should generally be performed in patients infected with HBV. More liver-specific tests can be done in the hospital.
Based on the results of the additional tests, your hepatologist, supported by a multidisciplinary medical team, will recommend and prescribe an appropriate HBV/HDV treatment.
Depending on the type of treatment prescribed, you will receive this directly at the hospital or you can obtain the medication from a pharmacy.
It is important to take your medication as directed and to read the patient information leaflets carefully.
Your hepatologist will monitor your treatment to check its effectiveness, as well as monitor the progression of the disease to detect any complications or signs of worsening.
Be assured that you are not alone on this journey or in dealing with this disease. It is very important to have someone to talk to. This can be a friend or family member. A patient organisation can also be a helpful contact point.