Hepatitis B Signs and symptoms

Hepatitis B Signs and symptoms

According to Mayo Clinic, Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For some people, hepatitis B infection becomes chronic, leading to liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis — a condition that causes permanent scarring of the liver.

Most people infected with hepatitis B as adults recover fully, even if their signs and symptoms are severe. Infants and children are much more likely to develop a chronic hepatitis B infection. Although no cure exists for hepatitis B, a vaccine can prevent the disease. If you're already infected, taking certain precautions can help prevent spreading HBV to others.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B usually appear about two to three months after you've been infected and can range from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B may include:
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

Most infants and children with hepatitis B never develop signs and symptoms. The same is true for some adults.

Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.