What should you know about hepatitis B symptoms and treatment?

Some people develop nausea, poor appetite, fever, joint aches, tiredness, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools, or jaundice. Others have no symptoms. Blood tests identify hepatitis B markers and can help show whether infection is recent, resolved, or ongoing. Liver enzymes and other assessments show how the liver is responding; a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) is only one part of the evaluation.

A clinician may also consider medical history, examination, and additional liver assessment. The condition overview explains more about [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/).

Recent infection may be managed with supportive care and follow-up, while ongoing infection may require regular monitoring and antiviral treatment for some people. The decision depends on viral activity, liver health, and other personal factors. Take prescribed medicines as directed and tell the clinician about pregnancy, other medicines, and supplements. Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, or injection equipment, and use barriers during sex until transmission risk has been discussed. Close contacts can ask about [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/).

Get urgent help for confusion, severe vomiting, intense abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, or rapidly worsening yellowing of the skin or eyes. Arrange prompt medical review for new [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/), persistent [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/), or symptoms after a possible exposure. Pregnancy and known liver disease make timely assessment especially important.

Ask whether the infection appears recent or ongoing, what your liver tests show, whether antiviral treatment is appropriate, how often follow-up is needed, and how to protect people you live with or have sex with.