Hepatitis B Infection
What is Hepatitis B Infection?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks your liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus spreads through contact with infected blood or other body fluids. When you get infected, your immune system tries to fight off the virus, but it may not always succeed.
An acute infection lasts less than 6 months and your body usually clears it on its own. A chronic infection lasts longer than 6 months and can stay in your body for life. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious liver problems including cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver, and liver cancer over time.
About 296 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B infection. Many people with hepatitis B feel healthy and do not know they carry the virus. This makes testing important, especially if you have risk factors or were born in areas where hepatitis B is common.
Symptoms
- Fatigue and feeling weak or tired all the time
- Fever and flu-like symptoms
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen where your liver sits
- Dark urine that looks brown or orange
- Clay-colored or pale bowel movements
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Jaundice, which is yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes
Many people with hepatitis B have no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. Some people can carry the virus for years without feeling sick. This is why blood testing is the only reliable way to know if you have been exposed to the virus.
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Causes and risk factors
Hepatitis B spreads through contact with blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person. The virus does not spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or coughing. Common ways people get hepatitis B include sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles or syringes, accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings, and from mother to baby during birth. You can also get the virus from sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes that may have traces of infected blood.
Your risk is higher if you were born in regions where hepatitis B is common, including parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Other risk factors include living with someone who has chronic hepatitis B, working in healthcare or public safety roles with exposure to blood, receiving dialysis for kidney disease, and having HIV infection. People who inject drugs or have multiple sexual partners also face increased risk. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent hepatitis B infection.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose hepatitis B through blood tests that look for specific markers of the virus and your immune response. The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test checks if the virus is currently in your blood. The Hepatitis Be Antibody test shows whether you have had past or current infection. The Hepatitis B Surface Antibody test tells if you have immunity from vaccination or past infection. These tests help doctors understand if you have an active infection, if you are immune, or if you need vaccination.
Rite Aid offers hepatitis B testing as an add-on to our preventive health panel. You can get tested at any Quest Diagnostics location near you. Early detection matters because it allows you to take steps to protect your liver and prevent spreading the virus to others. If your blood tests show active infection, your doctor may order additional tests to check your liver function and determine the best treatment approach.
Treatment options
- Acute hepatitis B usually requires rest, fluids, and good nutrition while your body fights the infection
- Chronic hepatitis B may need antiviral medications like tenofovir or entecavir to slow liver damage
- Avoid alcohol completely because it puts extra stress on your liver
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to support liver health
- Maintain a healthy weight because excess body fat can worsen liver inflammation
- Get regular blood tests to monitor your liver function and viral levels
- Talk to your doctor before taking any new medications or supplements because some can harm your liver
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis A to protect against additional liver infections
- Avoid sharing personal items that might have blood on them
- Tell sexual partners and household members so they can get tested and vaccinated
Need testing for Hepatitis B Infection? Add it to your panel.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
The only way to know for sure is through blood testing. Many people have no symptoms, especially early on. Blood tests check for viral antigens and antibodies that show current infection, past infection, or immunity from vaccination. Rite Aid offers hepatitis B testing as an add-on to our health panel.
Acute hepatitis B often clears on its own within 6 months, especially in healthy adults. Your immune system fights off the virus in about 90% of adult cases. However, babies and young children are more likely to develop chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis B does not go away without treatment and requires ongoing monitoring.
Acute hepatitis B usually resolves without treatment in most adults. Chronic hepatitis B has no cure, but antiviral medications can control the virus and prevent liver damage. Some people clear the virus after years of treatment, but this is not common. Regular monitoring and treatment help most people with chronic hepatitis B live long, healthy lives.
Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids. This includes sexual contact, sharing needles, from mother to baby during birth, and accidental needle sticks. The virus does not spread through casual contact, sharing food, hugging, or coughing. You cannot get hepatitis B from toilet seats or mosquito bites.
Testing is recommended if you were born in regions where hepatitis B is common, have a family history of the infection, or engage in high-risk activities. Healthcare workers, people receiving dialysis, and those living with someone who has hepatitis B should get tested. Pregnant women should be tested to prevent passing the virus to their babies.
All three are viral infections that affect the liver, but they are caused by different viruses. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water and usually clears on its own. Hepatitis B and C spread through blood and body fluids. Hepatitis B has a vaccine for prevention, while hepatitis C does not but can be cured with newer medications.
The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and prevents infection in about 95% of vaccinated people. Protection can last for at least 20 years and possibly for life. A small number of people may not develop immunity after vaccination. If you are at high risk, your doctor can test your antibody levels to confirm immunity.
A positive test means you have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus. Your doctor will order additional tests to determine if you have an active infection or past infection with immunity. If you have active infection, you will need monitoring and possibly treatment. Your doctor will also check your liver function to assess any damage.
Chronic hepatitis B increases your risk of developing liver cancer over time. The virus causes ongoing inflammation and damage to liver cells. This damage can lead to cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver, and eventually cancer. Regular monitoring and antiviral treatment significantly reduce your risk of liver cancer.
Tell your sexual partners and household members about your diagnosis so they can get tested and vaccinated. Always practice safe sex using condoms. Never share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or other items that might have blood on them. Cover cuts and wounds with bandages to prevent blood contact.