The vast majority of people who are infected with hepatitis B are able to fight off the virus, meaning their infection never becomes chronic (long-term).
They may remain healthy without any symptoms while they clear the virus from their bodies. Some will not even know they have been infected.
However, until the virus has been cleared from their body, they can pass the virus on to others.
Common symptoms
Other people will have symptoms similar to those of hepatitis A, which include:
- flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, general aches and pains, headaches and fever,
- loss of appetite and weight loss,
- nausea or vomiting,
- diarrhoea,
- stomach pains, and
- jaundice (see box).
Chronic infection
Hepatitis B is said to be chronic when you have been infected for longer than six months.
The earlier the disease is contracted, the greater the chance of developing chronic viral infection. Therefore, babies and children are particularly at risk of developing chronic disease.
It is less common in adults: only 2–10% of those with hepatitis B will go on to have a chronic infection in the UK.
If you have chronic hepatitis B you may not have symptoms. This means you could be spreading the virus without realising it.
If you do have symptoms, these may come and go. There is a chance you will go on to develop permanent scarring of the liver, called cirrhosis, and you may eventually develop liver cancer.
Fulminant hepatitis B
Very rarely, a serious type of hepatitis called fulminant hepatitis B occurs. Symptoms include collapsing, severe jaundice and swelling of your stomach, and it can be fatal.
