What should you know about etiology of hepatitis B?

Transmission can occur during sex, through shared needles or equipment that breaks the skin, from mother to baby around birth, or through unsterile medical, cosmetic, or tattoo equipment. The virus is not spread by ordinary casual contact such as hugging, sharing a meal, or coughing. Some infections clear, while others remain and may gradually damage the liver. Fatigue or dark urine can occur, but many people have no obvious symptoms.

A clinician can use specific blood tests to identify current infection, past exposure, and protection from vaccination. Liver function testing may help assess inflammation or strain on the liver. Do not share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or items that may carry blood. Use barrier protection until your status and a partner’s protection are clear, and ask household or sexual contacts about vaccination.

Seek prompt medical advice after a possible blood or body-fluid exposure, because preventive treatment may be time-sensitive. Get urgent help for confusion, severe vomiting, bleeding, or rapidly worsening yellowing of the eyes or skin. Arrange review for persistent fatigue, dark urine, or known hepatitis B so liver health can be monitored.

Which hepatitis B blood tests do I need? Could this be a new or longstanding infection? Should my household or sexual contacts be vaccinated, and how often should my liver be checked?