Viral infection that attacks the liver, can be acute or chronic. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Hepatitis B
Viral infection that attacks the liver, can be acute or chronic
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
Chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
Care can range from monitoring and fluids to prescribed treatment, infection-control measures and follow-up. Ask whether antibiotics or other medicine are actually indicated and how to prevent spread.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint pain
Possible causes
- Sexual contact with infected person
- Sharing needles
- Mother to baby during birth
- Contact with infected blood
- Sharing personal items (razors, toothbrushes)
Care and treatment options
- Antiviral medications (chronic infection)
- Regular liver function monitoring
- Lifestyle modifications
- Avoiding alcohol
- Vaccination (preventive)
- Liver transplant (severe cases)
Key points
- Vaccine available
- Can become chronic
- May cause liver cancer
- More infectious than HIV
- Treatable but not always curable
Preparing for a consultation
- Fever readings and timing of symptoms.
- Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures.
- Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines.
- Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell.
Questions worth asking
- Is Hepatitis B the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Related tests
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Hepatitis B?
Viral infection that attacks the liver, can be acute or chronic This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Hepatitis B?
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Antiviral medications (chronic infection), Regular liver function monitoring, Lifestyle modifications, Avoiding alcohol. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Hepatitis B be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Fever readings and timing of symptoms. Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures. Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines. Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Hepatitis B can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.