Hepatitis B is a dangerous illness that can damage your liver and lead to liver failure or cirrhosis. You may not even show any hepatitis B symptoms and still experience the debilitating effects of this dangerous disease. That's why it is so important to know the symptoms and to seek medical advice if you think you've been exposed to hepatitis B.
Key Points
- Hepatitis B has an incubation period of 12 weeks; during this time, you won't exhibit any symptoms, but are infectious.
- Practice safe use, avoid sharing needles, and only go to reputable tattoo parlors to lower your risk of developing hepatitis B.
- Those with hepatitis B generally need treatment for the rest of their lives. With treatment, however, those with hepatitis B can typically live normal lives.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B has an incubation period of approximately 12 weeks. During this time, you won't exhibit any symptoms but you can be infectious. Hepatitis is transmitted through the blood and intimate body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis B symptoms do not occur in all sufferers, but you should still take a look at them and note if you experience any of these symptoms.
One of the most common hepatitis B symptoms is jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowing of your skin and a yellowing of the white area in your eyes. You may also notice a darkening of your urine. You may also experience a loss of appetite, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. You may also experience a general feeling of lethargy. This general feeling of lethargy is marked by extreme weakness and fatigue.
If you are experiencing any of these hepatitis B symptoms, you need to seek medical treatment. Furthermore, not everyone experiences symptoms when suffering from hepatitis B, so if you engage in risky behavior or think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, you should seek medical care.
Prognosis with a Hepatitis B Diagnosis
Most adults infected are able to recover fully from even severe symptoms of hepatitis B. Most people with hepatitis B need treatment for the rest of their lives. With treatment, though, people with hepatitis B can live normal lives. It is important that you take the treatment you are prescribed; without treatment, hepatitis B can and will get worse.
Antivirals and interferon are treatment options for hepatitis B. If your liver has been severely damaged by this disease, a liver transplant may be necessary. Most donated livers come from deceased donors, but occasionally a portion of a living person's liver may be used. The liver can regenerate, so this is why a partial transplant can work.
It's important that you take steps to prevent hepatitis B infection. Practice safe sex with partners you aren't fluid bonded with, and avoid sharing needles if you do drugs. Get tested regularly if you have multiple sexual partners or if you are otherwise at risk for contracting hepatitis B. If you plan on getting a tattoo, go to a reputable tattoo parlor that abides by the highest safety standards.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.