Symptoms:

It takes about 1-6 months from the time of infection until symptoms of acute hepatitis appear. Early symptoms may include:

• Appetite loss
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Muscle and joint aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellow skin and dark urine due to jaundice

People with chronic hepatitis may have no symptoms, or they may have symptoms similar to those of acute hepatitis.

Signs and tests:

The following tests are done to identify and monitor liver damage from hepatitis B:

• Albumin level
• Liver function tests
• Prothrombin time

The following tests are done to help diagnose hepatitis B:

• Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc)
• Antibody to HBsAg (Anti-HBs)
• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
• Hepatitis E surface antigen (HBcAg)

Patients with chronic hepatitis may receive ongoing blood tests.