Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). You can catch it through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to baby at birth. Some people only get a short illness and recover; others develop chronic infection that needs ongoing care. This page gives clear, practical steps—how to spot it, when to test, how to prevent it, and simple care tips if you or someone close to you tests positive.
Symptoms can be subtle. Early signs include fatigue, low appetite, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). If you have a recent exposure—unprotected sex, shared needles, or a medical procedure in a place with poor infection control—get tested even without symptoms.
Ask your clinician for these common blood tests: HBsAg (shows active infection), anti-HBs (shows immunity), and anti-HBc (shows past or current exposure). If HBsAg is positive for more than six months, that usually means chronic hepatitis B. For people with chronic infection, doctors often check liver enzymes (ALT/AST) and HBV viral load to decide on treatment.
Vaccine is the best protection. The hepatitis B vaccine is given as a short series of shots and creates long-lasting immunity for most people. Newborns get a birth dose plus follow-ups; adults can get the series through a doctor or clinic. If you haven't been vaccinated, ask your GP or a sexual health clinic—it's quick and effective.
Other easy prevention tips: use condoms for sex, never share needles or razors, avoid direct contact with another person’s blood, and ensure any tattoo or piercing studio follows hygiene rules. Pregnant people should be tested so newborns can get immediate protection—this prevents most mother-to-baby transmission.
If you test positive and have chronic hepatitis B, treatment options exist. Doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs (commonly tenofovir or entecavir) to lower the virus and protect the liver. Treatment decisions depend on blood tests and liver scans, so regular follow-up matters. Also cut out alcohol, keep a balanced diet, and get routine liver checks—these simple steps lower the chance of long-term damage.
Worried about side effects or cost? Talk openly with your provider—many clinics offer support, payment plans, or government programs for vaccines and medications. For immediate care, go to urgent care or the ER if you have severe belly pain, confusion, very dark urine, or vomiting that won’t stop.
Hepatitis B is manageable when you act early: test after risks, get vaccinated if you’re not immune, follow medical advice if infected, and protect others with safe practices. If you want help finding a test site or vaccine clinic, reach out to your local health service or a sexual health center.