About one-third of people with HBV are asymptomatic. When symptoms are present they include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of liver involvement include dark urine, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. There is no known cure. Most infections clear up by themselves within 4-8 weeks.
Some individuals become chronically infected.
For those individuals who are chronically infected, the disease can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and immune system disorders. They are also capable of transmitting the virus. Infants of infected mothers can be given immunoglobulin and vaccinated at birth, potentially eliminating the risk of chronic infection. Avoid illicit IV drug use and sharing drug needles. Discuss with health care providers precautions that are taken to avoid transmission of Hepatitis B, especially when receiving blood products or blood transfusions.