When a person contracts a virus, it may take some time before it shows up on a test or before signs and symptoms appear. Experts call this the incubation period. It can take 60 to 150 days for hepatitis B symptoms to develop, and a test can detect the virus 1 to 9 weeks after exposure.
According to the
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes inflammation in the liver. It can be acute or chronic.
HBV transmission occurs through bodily fluids.
When someone who hasn’t been vaccinated against hepatitis B comes into contact with HBV, it takes a while for symptoms or signs of infection to appear.
This article describes the incubation period for hepatitis B and how the virus is transmitted.
Not everyone who develops hepatitis B will have symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they can start on average, according to the CDC
Although 3 months is the average, symptoms can appear anytime between 2 and 5 months after exposure.
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A doctor will generally order several tests to look for HBV and its antigens. The presence of a surface antigen called HBs-AG in a person’s blood indicates a new, current infection.
A test can determine this
WHO says it may take time
The CDC states that in half the cases that symptoms develop, the virus can no longer be passed on to anyone else inside
A person who does not develop chronic hepatitis B will test negative for HBsAG 15 weeks after the onset of symptoms.
In people who develop chronic hepatitis B, the virus becomes still can to transmit to others.
How is the virus transmitted?
In general, the virus does not spread through casual contact with a person who has hepatitis B. The virus spreads when infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids get into the body of a person who doesn’t have the virus.
This is usually done via:
- birth
- sexual activity
- sharing needles or syringes
- Contact with open sores or sores of a person with the virus
- Sharing items such as toothbrushes or razors
- accidental needlestick injury
The virus can at least live on surfaces
Lots People with hepatitis B may not realize they have it because they may not have any symptoms.
The severity and duration of symptoms can vary in those who have no symptoms. They also vary between acute hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis B infections.
Common symptoms of acute hepatitis B are:
Acute hepatitis B symptoms usually last for several weeks, but some people can have symptoms for that long
If a person thinks they’ve been exposed to hepatitis B, they should get tested even if they don’t have any symptoms.
To get tested, a person may visit a doctor’s office, a community health clinic, or a locally planned parental health center.
There is no cure for hepatitis B. However, according to Planned Parenthood, the infection usually goes away without treatment 1-2 months.
When symptoms are present, a person should ensure they are resting and eating an adequate diet and drinking plenty of fluids. If symptoms are more severe, the person may need a visit to the hospital.
About 1 in 20 adults will develop chronic hepatitis B, according to Planned Parenthood. Some people with chronic hepatitis B receive treatment, but not all need treatment.
No treatment cures chronic hepatitis, so a person may need treatment indefinitely. Treatments generally include antiviral drugs.
See a doctor for people with liver cirrhosis or liver cancer related to hepatitis B
When a person receives a chronic hepatitis B diagnosis, they should:
You should also check with a doctor before taking any medications or supplements to make sure they don’t damage the liver.
Anyone who suspects that they have come into contact with HBV should see a doctor as soon as possible.
A doctor can administer post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) through the vaccines and a drug called hepatitis B immunoglobulin. PEP can prevent infections and liver damage.
A person should also see a doctor if they notice any of the symptoms of hepatitis B or if they know they have hepatitis B and their symptoms are getting worse.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver.
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A test can detect the virus 1–9 weeks after exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to hepatitis B should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
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