Ano ang hepatitis B? A Tagalog-friendly explanation

It spreads through infected blood and certain body fluids, including during childbirth, sexual contact, or sharing needles or equipment that can break the skin. It is not spread by casual contact such as hugging, sharing a room, coughing, or sneezing.

Some people develop fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools, or paninilaw—yellowing of the skin or eyes. Many have no noticeable symptoms, so feeling well cannot confirm that the virus is absent.

An acute infection begins after a recent exposure. A chronic infection remains in the body and can gradually scar or damage the liver. Blood tests show whether the virus is present, whether the infection is active, and whether the body has immunity; liver tests assess inflammation or impaired function.

Arrange testing after a possible exposure, during pregnancy, or when a household or sexual partner has hepatitis B. Do not donate blood, share needles, razors, or toothbrushes, and use barrier protection until a clinician explains your results and transmission risk.

Treatment depends on whether infection is acute or chronic and on viral activity and liver health. Some chronic infections need antiviral medicine; others need scheduled blood tests and liver monitoring. Avoid alcohol and check medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies with a clinician. Vaccination protects people who are not already immune but does not treat an existing infection.

Get urgent medical help for confusion, marked drowsiness, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, a rapidly swelling abdomen, severe abdominal pain, or repeated vomiting that prevents drinking. These features can accompany serious liver dysfunction or bleeding.

Book prompt assessment for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent nausea, or a known exposure. Early testing can guide care and help protect a newborn, partner, or household member.

Ask what each hepatitis B result means, whether the infection is acute or chronic, how often liver monitoring is needed, and whether treatment is indicated. Confirm which close contacts should be tested or vaccinated and what precautions apply at home, during sex, and during pregnancy.