Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis B virus, or HBV. Transmitted through exposure to blood or sexual contact with an infected person, or from mothers to infants at birth, hepatitis B and its long-term consequences claim approximately 300 lives each year, reports the HealthScout Network. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 43,000 new HBV infections occurred in the U.S. in 2007, but the official number is much lower as many infected people experience no symptoms at all or even know that they're infected. The effects of HBV range in severity from a mild, short-term illness to a serious, lifelong illness. Its incubation period averages six weeks, but may take up to six months, states the World Health Organization. Although the symptoms may last several weeks or months, most adults recover fully. However some--infants and children especially--will develop chronic HBV.
Flu-like Symptoms
Some of the early symptoms of Hhpatits B are similar to those experienced with various types of flu, including malaise, fever, loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pains, an upset stomach, abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Urine and Stool Changes
Another early sign of hepatitis B infection involve color changes in urine and stools. Urine will appear dark, often similar to coffee in color. Stools are often pale, sometimes clay-colored.
Jaundice
Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and/or yellow in the white of the eyes, a common symptom that can appear early following HBV infection.
