What should you know about hepatitis B effects on the body?

The virus enters the bloodstream and targets liver cells. The immune response can cause liver inflammation, which may lead to tiredness, reduced appetite, nausea, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, or dark urine. Some infections settle, while others remain for a long time and can gradually injure the liver. Symptoms alone cannot show whether the infection is active or how much inflammation is present.

Arrange clinical review if you have a positive hepatitis B result or think you may have been exposed. Your clinician may use blood tests, including liver function testing, to follow liver health and clarify the infection pattern. Avoid alcohol until you have discussed it with your clinician, and check before taking supplements or medicines that may affect the liver. Do not donate blood or share razors, toothbrushes, or needles.

Get urgent medical assessment for yellow skin or eyes, new confusion, unusual sleepiness, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or rapidly increasing swelling. Dark urine with pale stools may also need prompt review. Call emergency services for collapse, severe breathing difficulty, or uncontrolled bleeding.

Ask whether your infection appears recent or longstanding, which tests will track liver inflammation, and how often you need review. Discuss medicines, alcohol, household precautions, and whether close contacts should receive hepatitis B vaccination.