We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Effects of Hepatitis B?

Laura M. Sands
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,672
Share

The effects of hepatitis B include such physical symptoms as nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine and pale stools. Infected people also show signs of jaundice, evident by a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. In chronic cases, hepatitis B can lead to liver disease or cancer of the liver. The effects of hepatitis B can range from being mild and only lasting a few weeks to being more severe and requiring hospitalization.

There are five main types of hepatitis a person can become infected with. In the United States, most people are vaccinated against types A and B early in life and may receive further vaccinations for these when traveling to areas with high rates of hepatitis infection. Contraction and the effects of hepatitis B are most frequently experienced by individuals in high risk groups, such as intravenous drug users, sex workers, homosexual men and individuals infected with HIV or AIDS.

Spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, the effects of hepatitis B are usually realized within three months of infection. While there is no medical treatment for infection, doctors recommend bed rest, increased fluid intake and consuming a healthy diet while the infection runs its course. Once a person has become infected, she or he is then immune to future infections.

In some cases, however, the effects of hepatitis B are more devastating. Symptoms can last several months and affect a person so severely that hospitalization is needed. Some people may also develop chronic forms of infection, which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or even liver cancer. People with chronic infections require constant monitoring by a physician to watch for signs of these illnesses.

In some individuals with chronic infections, the side effects of hepatitis B are nonexistent. Some who received the virus at birth from an infected mother may live for decades without showing any signs of illness. For others, the effects of hepatitis B are very similar to those with acute infections in that symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, may only be experienced at short intervals. In the United States, approximately one-fourth of all patients with chronic forms of infection experience more serious effects of hepatitis B, such as liver cirrhosis or cancer. Of these cases, many do not show signs of declining liver functioning or damage until such are detected during medical testing.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Laura M. Sands
By Laura M. Sands
Laura Sands, the founder of a publishing company, brings her passion for writing and her expertise in digital publishing to her work. With a background in social sciences and extensive online work experience, she crafts compelling copy and content across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a skilled contributor to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands
Laura Sands, the founder of a publishing company, brings her passion for writing and her expertise in digital publishing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-effects-of-hepatitis-b.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.