What should you know about untreated hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. Some infections clear, while others persist and require long-term follow-up. Ongoing inflammation may gradually scar the liver and reduce its ability to work properly. Fatigue, dark urine, nausea or yellowing of the skin can occur, but symptoms may be absent. A person can still pass the virus to others without feeling ill. Clinicians use the history, examination and blood tests to understand whether the infection is active and whether the liver is being affected.

Arrange medical assessment if you have a positive hepatitis B result, possible exposure or unexplained liver symptoms. Follow-up may include a liver function test and other checks chosen by your clinician. Ask about referral to a liver specialist, medicines, alcohol and medicine safety, and how to protect household or sexual contacts. Do not share razors, toothbrushes or needles, and cover open wounds. Vaccination can help protect people who have not acquired hepatitis B, but it does not treat an existing infection.

Seek urgent care for confusion, unusual sleepiness, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal swelling, yellowing that is worsening quickly, or inability to keep fluids down. These signs may indicate serious liver dysfunction or another acute illness. Contact a clinician promptly for new dark urine, marked fatigue, abdominal pain or yellow eyes, particularly after a known exposure. Avoid alcohol and check before taking over-the-counter pain medicines or supplements if liver disease is possible.

Ask: Is the infection acute or chronic? What tests show whether the virus is active? How often should my liver be checked? Do I need treatment or specialist review? Should my household and sexual contacts be tested or vaccinated? Which medicines, supplements and foods should I avoid?