What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
It can present as either a short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) illness. While most adults recover fully, some individuals—especially those infected at birth or during childhood—develop chronic infection, which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

The virus is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids, including sexual contact, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Vaccination is highly effective and remains the best protection against hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

Many people with hepatitis B have no symptoms at first, especially during early infection.
When symptoms appear, they can develop 1 to 4 months after exposure and may include:

  • Fatigue and loss of appetite
  • Fever and nausea
  • Abdominal pain (especially on the right side)
  • Dark urine, clay-colored stool
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Joint pain

Chronic infection may remain silent for years while still damaging the liver.

Did you know? About two-thirds of people with hepatitis B don’t show any symptoms — yet the virus can still be easily spread through blood, semen, or other body fluids.

How is hepatitis B spread?

Hepatitis B spreads through contact with blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person. Common transmission routes include:

  • Unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner
  • Sharing needles, syringes, or razors
  • Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth
  • Accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings
  • Tattooing or piercing with unsterilized equipment

Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, sharing utensils, or breastfeeding (if the infant is vaccinated).

Hepatitis B Statistics

Who is most at risk for hepatitis B?

Anyone can contract hepatitis B, but higher-risk groups include:

  • People who have unprotected sex with multiple partners
  • Men who have sex with men (MSM)
  • Individuals who inject drugs or share needles
  • Infants born to infected mothers
  • People with chronic liver disease or HIV infection
  • Healthcare and public-safety workers exposed to blood

Routine vaccination has dramatically lowered infection rates in the U.S., but millions still live with chronic HBV worldwide.

Hepatitis B Incidence by Age and Sex (U.S., 2023)

According to CDC data:

  • Estimated new infections (2023): ~13,000 cases
  • Chronic hepatitis B infections in the U.S.: ~880,000–1.9 million people
  • Men: Slightly higher infection rates than women
  • Most affected age groups: Adults aged 30–49 years and infants born to infected mothers
  • Global impact: Over 250 million people live with chronic hepatitis B infection worldwide

Vaccination campaigns have reduced cases by over 90% since 1991, but persistent gaps remain among unvaccinated adults.

Hepatitis B Treatment

Treatment for hepatitis B depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Acute hepatitis B

  • Usually clears on its own within 6 months
  • Focuses on rest, hydration, and monitoring liver function

Chronic hepatitis B

  • Managed with antiviral medications such as tenofovir or entecavir
  • Regular liver monitoring and blood tests to check viral activity
  • In severe cases, liver transplantation may be required

Lifestyle and prevention tips:

  • Avoid alcohol to protect liver health
  • Do not share razors, toothbrushes, or needles
  • Get vaccinated (3-dose series) for long-term immunity
  • Ensure sexual partners are tested and vaccinated

While there is no complete cure, proper treatment can suppress the virus, prevent complications, and allow most people to live long, healthy lives.

Hepatitis B FAQs

Will hepatitis B go away?

Hepatitis B can either be acute or chronic. In many adults, the infection clears on its own within six months, but if it becomes chronic, it usually stays in the body and requires ongoing management to prevent liver damage.

What are the 4 stages of hepatitis B?

The four stages of hepatitis B are incubation, acute, chronic, and recovery or resolution. During incubation, the virus multiplies without symptoms; the acute stage may cause mild to severe symptoms; chronic infection means the virus persists over six months; and recovery is when the immune system clears the virus, leading to healing.

Is hepatitis B transmitted through saliva?

Hepatitis B can be present in saliva, but transmission through saliva alone is very unlikely. The virus is mainly spread through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to baby during birth. Casual contact like kissing or sharing utensils poses little to no risk.

Is hepatitis B very serious?

Hepatitis B can be serious because it affects the liver and may lead to chronic infection, liver damage, or even liver cancer if untreated. However, many people recover fully with proper medical care, and vaccination can effectively prevent infection.

Does COVID cause hepatitis B?

No, COVID-19 does not cause hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which is different from the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.

What are the 4 markers for hepatitis B?

The four main markers for hepatitis B are HBsAg (surface antigen), anti-HBs (surface antibody), HBcAg (core antigen), and anti-HBc (core antibody). These markers help determine if someone is currently infected, immune, or has had a past infection.

How do you flush out hepatitis B?

There’s no way to “flush out” hepatitis B from your system quickly, as the virus can stay in the liver for a long time. Most people’s immune systems clear the infection naturally over time, but in chronic cases, medical treatment can help manage the virus and protect your liver.

Which celebrity has hepatitis B?

Music legend Billy Ray Cyrus has publicly shared his experience living with hepatitis B. His openness helps raise awareness that with proper medical care, people with hepatitis B can lead healthy, full lives.

How long can you have hepatitis B without knowing?

Hepatitis B can remain in your body without noticeable symptoms for decades, sometimes even a lifetime. Many people only find out they have it through routine blood tests, so regular screening is important if you’re at risk. Early detection helps manage the infection and protect your liver health.

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