Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B symptoms vary depending on whether the infection is acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Many people, especially adults, may be asymptomatic, particularly in the early stages.

Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms

• Onset: Symptoms typically appear 1-4 months after exposure.
• Common Symptoms:
  
  • Fatigue
  • Fever (low-grade)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain (especially upper right side, near the liver)
  • Dark urine
  • Clay-coloured stools
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
  • Joint or muscle pain
• Severity: Symptoms range from mild to severe. About 30-50% of adults develop symptoms, while children are often asymptomatic.
• Duration: Symptoms usually resolve within weeks to months, but ~5-10% of adults progress to chronic HBV.

Chronic Hepatitis B Symptoms

• Asymptomatic: Many people have no symptoms for years or decades, earning HBV the nickname “silent killer.”
• Late-Stage Symptoms (if untreated, leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer):
  
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Swelling in abdomen (ascites) or legs (oedema)
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Severe jaundice
  • Confusion or cognitive issues (hepatic encephalopathy)
• Complications: Increased risk of liver cirrhosis (scarring) or hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), especially in Asia where HBV is a leading cause of these conditions.

How Hepatitis B Is Transmitted

HBV spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids.

1. Sexual Contact:
   
   • Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an HBV-infected person. In Asia, ~25% of Australian travellers (especially backpackers) report casual sex, with inconsistent condom use in nearly half, increasing risk.

1. Medical or Cosmetic Procedures:

1. • Unsterile needles, syringes, or surgical equipment in healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, dental clinics).
   • Unscreened blood transfusions in areas with poor healthcare standards.
   • Cosmetic procedures like tattoos, piercings, or acupuncture with unsterilized equipment, common in tourist areas (e.g., Thailand, Bali).

1. Blood or Body Fluid Exposure:

1. • Sharing needles or syringes (e.g., injection drug use).
   • Sharing personal items like razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers contaminated with infected blood.
   • Accidental needle sticks or blood exposure in healthcare or community settings.

Who Should Consider Vaccination?

It is recommended to get vaccinated if you intend to engage in high-risk activities (e.g., casual sex, tattoos, medical procedures).

It is possible to check your immunity with a simple blood test prior to travel.