Types of Hepatitis B

Acute hepatitis B begins after a recent infection and may clear, although medical follow-up is needed to see how the body responds. Chronic hepatitis B persists and can gradually injure the liver, sometimes without obvious symptoms. A person can therefore have infection without looking or feeling ill.

When symptoms occur, they may include fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, abdominal discomfort, joint aches, yellowing of the skin or eyes and dark urine. Fatigue or dark urine can have other causes, so neither symptom confirms hepatitis B. Blood tests assess infection markers and liver health.

Arrange testing after a possible exposure, if a partner has hepatitis B, during pregnancy, or when liver tests are abnormal. A clinician may use several blood tests to distinguish current infection, past exposure and immunity, then decide whether monitoring or treatment is needed.

Hepatitis B vaccination is an effective prevention option for people who are eligible, including those with relevant occupational, household or sexual exposure risks. Do not share needles, razors or toothbrushes. Use condoms or other barrier protection until a clinician explains the risk and confirms a partner's protection.

Seek prompt help for yellow skin or eyes, very dark urine, severe vomiting, increasing abdominal swelling, unusual sleepiness or confusion. Contact a clinician quickly after a known exposure or during pregnancy, because testing and preventive care may need timely planning.

Ask whether the infection appears acute or chronic, which blood tests are needed, whether household or sexual contacts need vaccination, and how often your liver should be monitored.