What should you know about hepatitis B?

Some people have no symptoms, while others develop tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite, discomfort under the ribs, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine. The infection can be detected through blood tests even when you feel well. A clinician considers your symptoms, test pattern, liver health, and whether the infection appears recent or ongoing.

Hepatitis B is different from hepatitis C, and a symptom such as fatigue has many possible causes. A symptom does not by itself establish the cause.

Arrange a clinical review if testing suggests hepatitis B or if you have had a possible exposure. Your clinician may request repeat viral markers and a liver function test to understand activity and liver irritation. Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, or injection equipment, and use barriers during sex until you have received individual advice. Household and sexual contacts may need testing and vaccination.

Do not start supplements or medicines marketed for liver cleansing without checking first, because some can strain the liver. Keep follow-up appointments even when symptoms settle.

Seek urgent medical help for yellow skin or eyes with confusion, marked drowsiness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal swelling, bleeding, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician promptly after a possible recent exposure, especially if you are pregnant or have known liver disease.

Ask which hepatitis B markers were found, whether the result suggests a recent or ongoing infection, whether your liver needs monitoring, and which household or sexual contacts should be tested. You can also ask whether hepatitis B vaccination is appropriate for people close to you.