What is hepatitis B virus?

Hepatitis B can spread through infected blood or body fluids, including during sex, childbirth or shared injecting equipment. Some people have no symptoms. Others develop fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine. The infection may clear, or it may persist and gradually damage the liver. A blood test is needed to identify infection and clarify whether it is recent, ongoing or protected by immunity.

Arrange a GP consultation if you may have been exposed or have symptoms. Testing may include hepatitis B markers and a liver function test; follow-up depends on the results. Do not share razors, toothbrushes or injection equipment, and cover bleeding skin. Partners and household contacts should ask about testing and vaccination. Avoid alcohol while liver inflammation is being assessed, and do not start supplements without medical advice.

Seek urgent care for confusion, extreme sleepiness, severe abdominal swelling, vomiting blood, black stools, or yellowing with rapidly worsening illness. Contact a clinician promptly after a possible blood or sexual exposure because time-sensitive prevention may be appropriate. Ongoing fatigue, dark urine or jaundice also warrants assessment, even when there is no pain.

Ask which hepatitis B tests you need, whether your liver requires monitoring, how to protect close contacts, whether vaccination is appropriate, and which medicines or supplements to avoid.