What should you know about hepatitis b infection symptoms?

When symptoms occur, they may include tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, discomfort under the ribs, joint aches, dark urine, pale stools or yellowing of the eyes and skin. Some people have no noticeable symptoms while the virus remains in the body. A blood test can look for hepatitis B markers and assess liver inflammation. Persistent infection can damage the liver over time and is linked with a higher risk of liver cancer, so medical follow-up matters even when you feel well.

Arrange testing if you have symptoms, a possible exposure, a household or sexual contact with hepatitis B, or a medical reason to screen. Until results and advice are available, do not share razors, toothbrushes or needles, and use condoms with a new or untested partner. Do not donate blood. A clinician can discuss monitoring, antiviral treatment when indicated, household testing and hepatitis B vaccination for people who are not protected.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding or rapidly worsening yellowing. Contact a clinician promptly for dark urine with jaundice, marked weakness, swelling of the abdomen or symptoms after a known exposure. A recent exposure may need time-sensitive medical advice, even if you feel well.

Ask which hepatitis B tests you need, whether the infection is recent or persistent, and how liver function will be monitored. Ask whether people in your household or sexual contacts need testing or vaccination, and whether referral is needed to assess liver-cancer risk.