What should you know about hepatitis B affects?

The virus enters liver cells and can trigger inflammation. Some infections settle after the body responds, while others remain in the body and need ongoing medical follow-up. A person can feel well even when liver irritation is present, so symptoms alone cannot show whether infection is active or how the liver is functioning.

Possible symptoms include fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea, discomfort under the ribs on the right, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark urine. These symptoms have many possible causes. A [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/) overview explains the condition in more detail.

Arrange a clinical assessment if you have had a possible exposure, symptoms, or a previous positive hepatitis B result. Testing can identify infection and help clarify whether it is recent or ongoing. A clinician may also request a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) and other blood tests to assess the liver.

Until you have advice, do not share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or anything that may carry blood. Ask about protecting household or sexual contacts through [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/).

Seek urgent medical help for yellow skin or eyes with confusion, severe vomiting, marked drowsiness, unusual bleeding, or severe abdominal swelling. Contact a clinician promptly after a recent exposure, especially if you do not know your vaccination status. For symptom context, see [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) or [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/).

Ask whether you need repeat hepatitis B tests, what your liver results mean, whether household or sexual contacts need vaccination, and how often you should have follow-up.