Hepatitis B is known as a “silent disease”. A study by the World Health Organization suggests only 10% of individuals contracting the hepatitis B virus are aware that they have it. While others may have non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue, the virus tends to reveal symptoms only when it is severe. If undiagnosed, someone who has hepatitis B and do not receive treatment early is at risk from life-threatening complications associated with the virus.

Sixty-nine-year-old Lai Wang Yu from Hong Kong found out that he had hepatitis B during a chance screening while working overseas. As a person living with hepatitis B for the last three decades, he has made it his mission to educate others about the virus and how to manage it. With careful attention and thorough communication with medical professionals, Lai says people living with hepatitis B can better manage their health and live full lives.

Andrew Hexter, vice president and general manager, Gilead Sciences Asia 5, says, “Our mission to partner and empower patients living with hepatitis for better health outcomes motivates and inspires us. Today, chronic hepatitis B is a manageable disease.

As we strive towards eliminating hepatitis, we need to better understand communities and the specific challenges that they are facing in order to address them throughout Asia.”

As Lai advises, the more we understand our bodies, the better we can manage hepatitis B. Follow Lai as he shares his experience on becoming the boss of your health.