Viral Hepatitis (B & C)

What are Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are viral infections that affect the liver and can cause serious health complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Both viruses can remain silent for years without causing symptoms, making awareness of transmission, warning signs, and timely medical care critical for liver health.

Hepatitis B (HBV) – Modes of Transmission

HBV is highly contagious and can survive outside the body for up to seven days. It spreads through:

Unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner
Sharing needles or syringes used for injecting drugs
Needle-stick injuries in healthcare settings
Exposure of the virus to contaminated apparatus during hemodialysis
From an infected mother to the baby during childbirth (vertical transmission)
Sharing contaminated personal care items, such as razors or toothbrushes
Transfusion of contaminated blood (especially before 1992)

Prevention tip: A safe and effective hepatitis B vaccine is available and is the best protection against HBV.

Hepatitis C (HCV) – How it Spreads

HCV spreads almost exclusively through blood-to-blood contact, including:

Sharing needles, syringes, or drug preparation equipment
Exposure to unsterile tattoo or piercing instruments
Blood transfusions received before 1992
Long-term dialysis
Less commonly, from mother to baby during childbirth or through unprotected sex

Unlike HBV, HCV is rarely spread through sexual contact or saliva, and there is no vaccine available for prevention.

How Hepatitis B and C Affect the Body

Key Symptoms

In the early stages, both HBV and HCV infections typically cause mild or no symptoms, which can delay diagnosis until liver damage is more advanced.

Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen (where the liver is located)
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Persistent fatigue
Dark urine and pale or clay-coloured stools
Joint pain
Jaundice – yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (may be subtle depending on skin tone)

Understanding Incubation Periods

The incubation period is the time between exposure and symptom onset, which varies for each virus:

Hepatitis B: Symptoms typically appear 1–5 months after infection.
Hepatitis C: Symptoms may appear 2 weeks to 6 months post-exposure.

Since the initial (acute) phase of infection is often asymptomatic, individuals may unknowingly carry and spread the virus. This is why routine viral hepatitis screening, particularly in high-risk areas or populations, is critical.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Higher-risk groups include:

Individuals who inject drugs
People with multiple sexual partners
Healthcare workers exposed to blood
Those undergoing dialysis
Babies born to HBV- or HCV-positive mothers
People with HIV or other liver conditions
Anyone who received blood transfusions before 1992

If you belong to a higher-risk group, regular viral hepatitis screening is essential. All pregnant mothers are recommended to screen for viral Hepatitis B to prevent vertical transmission.

When Should You See a Doctor for Viral Hepatitis?

Early detection and treatment can protect your liver and prevent long-term complications. You should see a doctor immediately if you suspect exposure, are at risk of viral hepatitis infection or are known to be a carrier.

Every patient with known chronic hepatitis B infection (commonly termed “carrier”) should see their healthcare provider for regular monitoring.

Urgent Action After Exposure to Hepatitis B

Seek medical care right away if you think you’ve been exposed to HBV, especially through blood or bodily fluids. Acting quickly matters because you may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a treatment that works best within 24 hours. PEP may include:

The hepatitis B vaccine
An injection of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG)

These are typically done for babies born to Hepatitis B-positive mothers.

Even if you don’t have symptoms, early testing and intervention can protect your liver and prevent long-term damage.

Urgent Action After Exposure to Hepatitis C

See a doctor as soon as possible if you believe you’ve been exposed to HCV, particularly through blood contact. Unlike HBV, there’s no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, so early testing is critical. Your doctor may recommend:

A blood test to confirm infection
Regular monitoring for early signs of liver damage
Starting antiviral treatment, which can often cure chronic hepatitis C

Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.

Recognising Symptoms? Talk to a Healthcare Provider

If you're experiencing signs of hepatitis, such as tiredness, jaundice, or abdominal pain, book an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Because hepatitis can remain silent for years, timely diagnosis is key to preventing liver complications.

At SJMC, we’re committed to helping you protect your liver health. Whether you’re worried about recent exposure or dealing with ongoing symptoms, SJMC’s liver health specialists are here to guide you through screening, treatment, and next steps with compassion and expertise.

FAQs About Hepatitis B and C Causes & Symptoms

Yes, some people experience intermittent symptoms such as mild fatigue or digestive changes that may appear and disappear over time

Yes, symptoms can develop many years after initial infection, often when liver damage has progressed.

Yes, children often have milder or no symptoms, but are at higher risk for chronic infection.

People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or autoimmune conditions may find that hepatitis B or C puts extra strain on their bodies. The liver plays a central role in processing medications and managing immune responses, so when it’s inflamed or damaged by hepatitis, symptoms of other conditions can worsen. For example, diabetes may become harder to control, or autoimmune symptoms might flare up more often. Doctors usually recommend more frequent monitoring and may adjust treatment plans to protect liver health. If you have a chronic illness and are diagnosed with hepatitis, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to manage both conditions and catch any complications early.

Many people expect hepatitis to cause obvious symptoms like jaundice, but early signs can be much less noticeable. Some individuals experience ongoing tiredness, mild itching, or even trouble concentrating, which are easy to dismiss as stress or lack of sleep. Others may notice changes in appetite or occasional digestive discomfort. Because these symptoms are so general, hepatitis often goes undiagnosed until more serious liver issues develop. If you have risk factors for hepatitis B or C, it’s wise to mention any persistent, unexplained symptoms to your doctor, even if they seem minor.

Genetics can play a role in how your body responds to hepatitis B or C infection. Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to clear the virus naturally, while others are more prone to chronic infection or severe liver disease. Family history can also be important. If close relatives have had hepatitis, liver problems, or liver cancer, you may be at higher risk for complications. While you can’t change your genetics, knowing your family history can help your doctor recommend earlier screening or more proactive monitoring if you contract hepatitis B or C.

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