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Disease information

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that can be short-lived or become chronic. Many people have no symptoms, including those with long-term infection. Chronic infection can eventually cause liver scarring or liver cancer, so testing and ongoing care matter even when someone feels well. Infection acquired early in life is more likely to persist.

Prevention: Vaccine

Symptoms

  • Often no noticeable symptoms
  • Tiredness, fever, loss of appetite or nausea
  • Stomach or joint pain
  • Dark urine, pale stools or yellow skin and eyes

Transmission

  • Infected blood, semen or certain other body fluids entering another person’s body
  • Birth, sexual contact or contaminated needles and medical equipment
  • It does not spread through hugging, coughing or sharing food

Prevention

Vaccination is the main protection. Avoid sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes, and use services with safe infection-control practices. During pregnancy, discuss testing and how to protect the baby if infection is found. Follow local vaccination recommendations.

Diagnosis and care

Blood tests can detect infection. People with chronic hepatitis B need regular liver monitoring; some benefit from antiviral treatment. Absence of symptoms does not rule out infection or transmission.

Source

  • Hepatitis B Basics

    Based on CDC information

    Source language: English

    Source reviewed: August 29, 2025

    Source accessed: May 17, 2026

  • CDC: Hepatitis B Prevention and Control

    Based on CDC information

    Source language: English

    Source reviewed: January 31, 2025

    Source accessed: October 8, 2026

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