What type of disease is hepatitis B classified as?

Hepatitis B is classified as a chronic disease largely because it can persist in the body for a long period, sometimes even a lifetime, leading to long-term health issues such as liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. While individuals may initially experience an acute phase with symptoms, many will develop a chronic infection if the virus remains in the body beyond six months. This long duration and the potential for lasting health implications are what fundamentally categorize hepatitis B as a chronic disease.

It's important to note that although hepatitis B is also a viral infection, which influences the way it spreads and the treatment methods used, its classification in this context focuses specifically on the chronic nature of the disease rather than its infectious cause.