Blog
Hepatitis B
Covenant Metabolic Specialists Health Library
Covenant Metabolic Specialists
Physician Reviewed
Dec 3, 2025
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can be acute or chronic, with chronic infection leading to liver cirrhosis or cancer. HBV spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids, and perinatally from mother to child.
Symptoms
Acute hepatitis B symptoms include fever, fatigue, jaundice, nausea, and dark urine. Many people, especially children, may show no symptoms. Chronic infection may remain silent for decades before liver damage becomes apparent.
Causes
HBV is transmitted via unprotected sex, shared needles, transfusions (rarely now), tattoos with unsterile equipment, or from mother to baby during birth. In some cases, no identifiable exposure is found.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include unvaccinated individuals, infants born to infected mothers, men who have sex with men, injection drug users, and people with multiple sexual partners. Healthcare workers are also at higher occupational risk.
Diagnosis
HBV is diagnosed with a panel of blood tests checking for surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies, and viral DNA. Liver enzyme tests and imaging help assess damage. Chronic cases are monitored over time for progression.
Treatments
Acute infections typically resolve on their own. Chronic HBV may be treated with antiviral medications like tenofovir or entecavir to suppress viral replication and reduce liver inflammation. Liver cancer surveillance is also recommended.
Prevention
Vaccination is the most effective prevention. Practicing safe sex, avoiding needle sharing, and screening during pregnancy are essential. Universal newborn vaccination has greatly reduced perinatal transmission.
Our Take
At Covenant, we monitor HBV patients with a long view—watching for progression, treating viral activity, and protecting the liver. For new patients, we ensure proper testing, vaccination, and education.
Hepatitis B is a chronic threat to liver health—but it’s controllable. Covenant helps patients stay ahead of liver complications through consistent monitoring and modern antiviral therapies.
