What should you know about hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is carried in infected blood and certain body fluids. Transmission can occur through sexual contact, shared injecting equipment, unsterile medical or cosmetic equipment, or from an infected parent to a baby around birth. It is not spread by ordinary social contact such as sharing food or sitting nearby.

Some people develop fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine. Others feel well while the virus remains in the body. Persistent infection can cause ongoing liver inflammation and scarring, so testing and follow-up are useful even when symptoms are absent.

Arrange medical testing if you may have been exposed, have compatible symptoms, or are pregnant. Blood tests can distinguish current infection, past exposure, and immunity; a liver function test may show whether the liver is under strain. Your clinician will explain whether repeat testing or specialist review is needed.

Do not share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or equipment that may contact blood. Use condoms until a clinician confirms that a partner is protected. Cover open cuts, and tell healthcare or dental staff about a diagnosis. Hepatitis B vaccination protects people who are eligible and can be especially relevant after exposure or when household risk is present.

Seek urgent help for confusion, severe sleepiness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or rapidly worsening yellowing. Contact a clinician promptly after a possible blood or sexual exposure because preventive treatment may be time-sensitive. Pregnancy and known liver disease also warrant early medical advice.

Ask which hepatitis B tests you need, whether the infection is recent or persistent, how your liver will be monitored, and whether people in your household or sexual partners need testing or vaccination. Ask which activities or medicines should be avoided while your liver is being assessed.