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Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection spread through blood and body fluids. It can be short-lived or become long-term, so testing and vaccination are important.
Causes & risk factors
- Hepatitis B virus in blood and body fluids
- From mother to baby at birth
- Unprotected sex with an infected person
- Sharing needles or unsterile equipment
- Unscreened blood or contaminated instruments
Common symptoms
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Upper abdominal pain
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Joint pain
Tests & diagnosis
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Liver function test (LFT)
- Hepatitis B viral load
- Liver ultrasound
Treatment & management
- Many acute cases clear on their own with rest
- Antiviral medicines for chronic infection
- Regular monitoring of the liver
- Avoiding alcohol to protect the liver
- Vaccination and safe practices to prevent it
When to see a doctor urgently
- Jaundice with confusion or drowsiness — urgent care
- Vomiting blood or black stools — emergency
- Known exposure to infected blood or fluids — get tested
- Long-standing tiredness with abnormal liver tests
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about hepatitis b. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can hepatitis B be cured?
Chronic hepatitis B usually cannot be fully cured, but antiviral medicines control it well and protect the liver. Many acute cases clear on their own.
Should my family be vaccinated?
Yes. The vaccine is safe and effective. Close contacts and babies of infected mothers should be protected.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.