Early Symptoms of Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus can be spread through blood, sexual contact or from your mother at birth, and can cause both acute and chronic infections. According to the National Library of Medicine and the American Liver Foundation, the early symptoms of hepatitis B may make you feel as if you have the flu, and include skin changes and fever.

Time Frame

• If you develop early symptoms of hepatitis B, they usually occur within six weeks to six months after you become infected; if your body is unable to clear the virus within six months, this chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Fever

• You may develop a persistent, mildly elevated fever of 101F which may be accompanied by overall feelings of fatigue and weakness in your body.

Upset Stomach

• Early symptoms that you have hepatitis B include digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration.

Bowel Changes

• If you suddenly develop dark, brown urine, along with light, clay-colored feces, these are early signs of hepatitis B infection and require urgent medical evaluation.

Jaundice

• Jaundice is a medical term that means yellowing of the skin and the eyes, and is an early symptom of hepatitis B infection.

Pain

• Pain throughout the joints and abdomen are early signs of hepatitis B infections.