What symptoms can inactive hepatitis B cause?

The inactive phase generally reflects low viral activity and little current liver inflammation. A person may feel well while hepatitis B remains in the body. Symptoms, when present, can be vague: tiredness, reduced appetite, nausea or discomfort beneath the right ribs. Dark urine or yellowing of the eyes can signal a change in liver or bile handling.

Symptoms alone cannot show whether hepatitis B is inactive. Blood tests, clinical review and sometimes imaging are used together to understand what is happening.

Keep scheduled reviews even if you feel healthy. Ask whether you need a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) and which other blood markers will be followed. Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes, use protection during sex until partners are assessed, and discuss alcohol and medicines with your clinician.

Tell close contacts about the diagnosis so they can arrange testing and [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/) where appropriate. Read more about the condition at [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/).

Contact a clinician promptly if you develop new yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent vomiting, swelling of the abdomen, unusual bleeding, confusion or rapidly increasing fatigue. Urgent assessment is needed for severe abdominal pain, marked drowsiness or difficulty staying awake.

Which symptoms should I report immediately? How will you confirm that the infection remains inactive? When should my next blood tests take place? Could any current medicine, supplement or pregnancy plan affect my liver care?