What should you know about the common name for hepatitis B?

The virus can be present without obvious symptoms, so a person may not know they have it. When symptoms occur, they can include tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, discomfort under the ribs, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark urine. A symptom does not by itself establish the diagnosis; blood tests help show whether infection is present and whether the liver is affected.

Arrange medical advice if you have had a possible exposure, unexplained liver-test changes, or symptoms that concern you. A clinician may request a group of hepatitis B blood tests and a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/). Do not share razors or toothbrushes, and cover cuts. Household and sexual contacts can ask about [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/).

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, severe drowsiness, repeated vomiting, marked yellowing, severe abdominal pain, or bleeding. Prompt assessment is also sensible after a recent exposure because preventive treatment may be time-sensitive. See [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/) for broader condition information.

Ask which blood tests you need, whether the result suggests a recent or past infection, whether your liver needs monitoring, and how to protect people close to you.