The virus can be infective one to two weeks before symptoms occur, throughout the course of the disease, and in some cases, for a lifetime. Carriers of Hepatitis B can transmit the virus to others, even if they are having no symptoms themselves. Those who are exposed to blood or body fluids of an infected person, such as saliva, tears, semen, vaginal fluids and blood, are at risk. Since 1975, blood used for transfusions is tested and screened for the virus, which has halted the transmission of the virus to others by this route. Jaundice occurs when the liver cells do not function properly, resulting in excess bilirubin in the blood that causes the deposit of bile pigment in the skin, whites of the eyes and body fluids.
Diagnosis is made by the medical history, physical symptoms and physical exam.
A blood test is the only way to positively identify the illness. To treat Hepatitis B, supportive care is needed to help your body's natural defenses overcome the disease, and if jaundice develops, bed rest is recommended. There's no specific drug to kill the virus or help you overcome an active infection, but it's important to drink lots of liquids and eat healthy, balanced meals. Some infected individuals who fit a particular criteria may be started on a prescribed medication, called interferon, that may be beneficial in helping the body's immune system to fight the infection. Interferon is successful in controlling the disease in about 40 percent of those treated.