It is not spread through exposure to tears, sweat, urine or faeces. Some patients may not even experience symptoms, or they may be mild and flu-like. About 10 to 20 per cent of patients have a fever and rash. Nausea is not common. Hepatitis B patients may experience general aching in the joints, but sometimes the pain can resemble arthritis, affecting specific joints and accompanied by redness and swelling.
Most adults recover from the disease within six months.
But 5 per cent retain the virus, which can cause inflammation and severe illness and can even lead to cancer. There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis. Rest is recommended during the acute phase when the symptoms are most severe. People with acute hepatitis should avoid alcohol and any substances that are toxic to the liver. Some people with chronic hepatitis may respond to alpha-interferon drug therapy.