Can hepatitis B be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for chronic hepatitis B, but antivirals can effectively suppress the virus and prevent liver damage. Most adults with acute HBV clear the virus on their own.

Is hepatitis B contagious?

Yes, HBV is highly contagious — 50–100 times more infectious than HIV. Vaccination is the best protection for household members and sexual partners.

What happens if hepatitis B goes untreated?

Untreated chronic HBV can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Regular monitoring and antiviral treatment can significantly reduce these risks.

InfectiousICD-10: B16About 296 million people living with chronic HBV worldwide; ~880,000 in the U.S.

Hepatitis B

Also known as: Hep B, HBV Infection

Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection transmitted through blood, semen, and other body fluids. While acute infection often resolves in adults, chronic hepatitis B can develop — particularly in infants — and may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Vaccination is highly effective at prevention.

At a Glance

Common symptoms: Fatigue, Abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant, Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Main treatments: Acute HBV: supportive care (rest, fluids, monitoring), Chronic HBV: antiviral medications (tenofovir, entecavir), Pegylated interferon-alpha for eligible patients
Category: Infectious · About 296 million people living with chronic HBV worldwide; ~880,000 in the U.S.
See a doctor if: You develop symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain

Symptoms

Fatigue

Abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant

Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite

Dark urine and clay-colored stools

Jaundice

Joint pain

Fever

Many infected people are asymptomatic

Causes

Hepatitis B virus transmitted through blood and body fluids
Mother-to-child transmission during birth
Sharing needles or syringes
Unprotected sexual contact
Needle stick injuries in healthcare settings

Risk Factors

Born to an HBV-infected mother
Injection drug use
Multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex
Healthcare workers exposed to blood
Living with someone with chronic hepatitis B
Travel to high-prevalence regions

Diagnosis

HBsAg blood test
Anti-HBc and anti-HBs antibody tests
HBV DNA viral load
Liver function tests (ALT, AST)
FibroScan or liver biopsy for chronic cases

Treatment

Acute HBV: supportive care (rest, fluids, monitoring)
Chronic HBV: antiviral medications (tenofovir, entecavir)
Pegylated interferon-alpha for eligible patients
Regular monitoring of liver function and viral load
Liver transplant evaluation for end-stage disease

Prevention

Get vaccinated (3-dose hepatitis B vaccine series)
Use condoms during sexual activity
Avoid sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes
Screen pregnant women and vaccinate newborns of infected mothers

When to See a Doctor

You develop symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain
You believe you have been exposed to hepatitis B
You have chronic hepatitis B and notice worsening symptoms
You are pregnant and unsure of your hepatitis B status

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Hepatitis A

Infectious

Hepatitis C

Infectious

Liver Cancer

Cancer

Fatty Liver Disease

Digestive

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