Is hepatitis B curable?

The course depends on factors such as when infection occurred, the body's immune response, and the amount of liver inflammation. Some people have a short-lived infection; others develop persistent infection that needs review even when they feel well.

Symptoms are not a reliable guide to whether the virus has cleared. Fatigue, nausea, or dark urine can occur during liver inflammation, but they can also have other causes. Blood tests help identify infection markers, and a liver function test can show how the liver is responding.

Arrange an appointment if you have a positive test, a known exposure, or symptoms that suggest liver inflammation. Your clinician may repeat blood tests, assess liver health, and decide whether antiviral treatment or monitoring is appropriate. Do not start supplements or stop medicines without checking first.

Protect others by not sharing items that may carry blood and by discussing vaccination with household or sexual contacts. Avoid alcohol if your clinician advises it, and keep follow-up visits even when symptoms improve.

Get urgent medical care for yellowing skin or eyes, severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, or bleeding. Seek prompt advice after a possible exposure, since testing and preventive decisions depend on timing.

Ask whether your result suggests recent or persistent infection, which tests will track it, how often your liver needs review, and whether treatment is indicated. Ask what symptoms should trigger urgent contact and how to protect people close to you.