Hepatitis B

A viral infection of the liver spread through blood and body fluids. It can be short-lived or become long-term and damage the liver.

InfectionLiverLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Often no symptoms. Some people have tiredness, poor appetite, nausea, tummy pain, dark urine and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).

Common Treatments

Most adults clear a new infection on their own. Long-term (chronic) hepatitis B may need antiviral medicines and regular liver checks.

Risk Factors

Being born to a mother with hepatitis B, unprotected sex, sharing needles, unsafe injections or blood transfusions.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which infects the liver. It spreads through blood, semen and vaginal fluids, and from mother to baby at birth.

Many people with chronic hepatitis B don't know they have it. Over years it can cause liver scarring (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. A safe, effective vaccine prevents it.

Symptoms

Often no symptoms

Many people feel well, especially with long-term infection.

Jaundice

Yellow skin and eyes, dark urine and pale stools.

Tiredness and poor appetite

With nausea or tummy pain on the right side.

Fever and joint pain

Sometimes in the early stage of infection.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

Infection with the hepatitis B virus. In babies and young children, the infection is much more likely to become long-term than in adults.

Key Risk Factors

  • Mother-to-baby spread Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B need vaccination and sometimes immunoglobulin at birth.
  • Blood exposure Sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes, and unsafe medical procedures.
  • Sexual contact Unprotected sex with an infected person.

Management & Treatment

01. Testing

Blood tests (such as HBsAg) show whether you have the infection and how active it is.

02. Antiviral medicines

Medicines such as tenofovir keep the virus under control in many people with chronic hepatitis B.

03. Liver monitoring

Regular blood tests and scans check for liver damage and cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a vaccine?
Yes. It's part of India's childhood vaccination schedule and is recommended for adults at risk.
Can it be cured?
Short-term infection often clears. Chronic infection is usually controlled rather than cured.
Can I breastfeed?
Usually yes, if the baby has had the vaccine and immunoglobulin at birth. Ask your doctor.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.