Symptoms:

Many people who have chronic hepatitis B have few or no symptoms. They may not even look sick. As a result, they may not know they are infected. However, they can still spread the virus to other people.

Symptoms may not appear for up to 6 months after the time of infection. 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, even though gradual liver damage may be occurring. They may have some or all of the symptoms 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:

• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): positive result means you have active infection
• Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc): positive result means you had a recent infection or an infection in the past
• Antibody to HBsAg (Anti-HBs): positive result means you have either had hepatitis B in the past, or have received a hepatitis B vaccine
• Hepatitis E surface antigen (HBeAg): positive result means you are more contagious

Patients with chronic hepatitis may receive ongoing blood tests.