What should you know about dormant hepatitis B?

Dormant hepatitis B usually describes an inactive phase in which the virus is present but liver inflammation is low. It does not mean the infection has disappeared. The phase can change, so regular medical review helps identify renewed liver inflammation or a need for treatment.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can remain in the body after the initial infection. During an inactive phase, blood tests may show a low level of viral activity and no, or only limited, liver inflammation. Many people have no symptoms during this phase, but the virus can still be transmitted to another person.

The label is based on a pattern of results rather than symptoms alone. Clinicians may follow hepatitis B markers, the amount of virus in the blood, and liver enzymes. A change in these results can signal that the infection is becoming active again. Alcohol, medicines, immune-suppressing treatment, or another illness may also affect liver health, so share your full medical history with your clinician.

Arrange follow-up at the interval advised by your doctor, even when you feel well. Monitoring may include repeat blood tests and, when appropriate, an assessment of the liver. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) can help assess liver enzymes, but it is interpreted alongside other hepatitis B tests rather than used on its own.

Take prescribed medicines as directed and do not start herbal products, supplements, or non-prescription pain medicines without checking whether they are suitable for your liver. Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, needles, or anything that may carry blood. Use protection during sex until a clinician confirms that a partner is protected, and ask about testing and [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/) for household or sexual contacts.

Contact your clinician promptly if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, new or worsening swelling of the abdomen or legs, persistent vomiting, unusual sleepiness, confusion, or easy bleeding. Dark urine or marked fatigue also deserves medical assessment, especially if it is new or accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, or abdominal discomfort. Seek urgent care for confusion, severe weakness, vomiting blood, or black stools.

Tell any clinician treating you that you have hepatitis B before starting immune-suppressing medicines, chemotherapy, or a major medical procedure. Such treatments can allow the virus to become active again, and preventive planning may be needed.

Ask: Which hepatitis B results show that my infection is inactive? How often should I repeat blood tests? Do I need an assessment of liver scarring? Should anyone in my household or sexual partners be tested or vaccinated? What should I do before taking immune-suppressing treatment?