Are a child whose parents were born in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Amazon Basin in South America, the Pacific Islands, or the Middle East. Are a patient or work in an institution for the developmentally disabled. Symptoms appear two to six months after exposure to the virus. The beginning of symptoms is usually gradual. The doctor reviews possible exposure to the hepatitis B virus, checks for signs and symptoms, orders liver tests, and rules out other illness.
Diagnosis is confirmed by a test for the virus in the blood.
Persons with hepatitis B should eat a balanced diet, get plentyof rest, and avoid alcohol and drugs. Since the symptoms vary, medical advice may be different for each patient. Some symptoms, such as vomiting, itching and pain, can be helped with medicine. Your doctor can prescribe medicines which are safe for people with hepatitis. One out of ten persons with hepatitis B becomes a carrier.