What should you know about a person with hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be short-lived or persist, and its effect differs from person to person. Some people have no symptoms; others notice tiredness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or dark urine. Feeling well does not show whether the virus is active. Clinicians consider blood markers, liver function, medical history, and sometimes imaging or further tests when deciding on monitoring or treatment. A person can work, study, exercise, and maintain relationships, while taking sensible steps to reduce blood and body-fluid exposure.

Keep appointments and ask how often your liver should be checked with a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/). Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or anything that may carry blood; cover open cuts and clean blood spills safely. Use protection during sex until a clinician confirms that a partner is protected. Household and sexual contacts can ask about [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/). Avoid alcohol and supplements that may strain the liver unless your clinician says they are suitable.

Contact your clinician promptly for increasing [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/), [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/), yellow skin or eyes, abdominal swelling, vomiting, confusion, or unusual bleeding. Emergency assessment is appropriate for severe confusion, fainting, vomiting blood, or rapidly worsening illness. These signs require assessment; they do not measure how contagious a person is.

Ask whether your infection is active, what your liver tests show, whether treatment or monitoring is needed, and how to protect partners and family. Ask which medicines and supplements are suitable, and whether you need a referral to a liver specialist.