02/09/2026
What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation in your liver. It’s the most common liver infection in the world.
Hepatitis B spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of someone infected with the virus. For instance, it can be s*xually transmitted or by sharing needles with someone who has it. Hepatitis B is a serious infection because it can lead to complications like liver failure.
Hepatitis B vaccination can help prevent the infection.
Types of hepatitis B
There are two main types:
Acute hepatitis B: Acute hepatitis B is a short-term illness that may not cause symptoms. Sometimes, it goes away without treatment.
Chronic hepatitis B: Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term infection. It can lead to complications like cirrhosis and liver failure.
Symptoms and Causes
Typical symptoms of hepatitis B infection, including fever, nausea and abdominal pain
Not everyone has symptoms with hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B symptoms
You may not have symptoms or signs of hepatitis B. If they do appear, they may include:
Abdominal (belly) pain
Fatigue and weakness
Fever
Joint pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
You may also have symptoms of liver disease. These can include:
Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
Dark-colored p*e
Light or clay-colored p**p
Swelling from fluid in your belly or arms and legs
How do you get hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B transmission occurs when you’re exposed to the bodily fluids of someone who has the virus. These include:
Amniotic fluid
Blood
Menstrual fluid
Saliva
Semen
Vaginal fluid
Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through:
Unprotected s*xual contact with someone infected with the virus
Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has it
Getting cut with a contaminated medical instrument, like a scalpel
Is hepatitis B contagious?
Yes, you’re contagious as long as the virus is active in your body. For example, acute hepatitis B can last for up to six months. You can spread the virus that entire time.
If you have active chronic hepatitis B, you’ll be contagious for the rest of your life. If you have inactive chronic hepatitis B, the risk is lower. Your healthcare provider can do blood tests to find out if you have an active or inactive virus.
Risk factors
Anyone can get hepatitis B. But you may have increased risk if you:
Have a s*xually transmitted infection, like HIV
Take immunosuppressants to keep your immune system from attacking healthy tissue by mistake
Are receiving dialysis
Have another type of liver disease
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis B?
Yes, and getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent an infection. It takes three doses of the vaccine before you’re completely protected. You’ll receive a series of shots over six months. In the meantime, to reduce your risk, you can:
Practice safe s*x. Use a latex or polyurethane condom if you don’t know whether your partner has the virus.
Don’t share personal items. You can get hepatitis B from exposure to infected blood on personal items, like a toothbrush or razor.
Practice safe needle use. If you use intravenous drugs, don’t share needles or syringes with anyone.
Complications
Acute and chronic hepatitis B can lead to complications like:
Hepatitis D: Another type of hepatitis that you can get if you have hepatitis B
Reactivated hepatitis B: Acute hepatitis B that comes back if you take immunosuppressants or stop the medication
Cirrhosis: Scar tissue that builds up in your liver
Acute liver failure: Liver failure that happens very quickly
Chronic liver failure: Liver failure that happens over time
Liver cancer: A serious cancer that’s most often caused by chronic hepatitis B.
