If you often feel tired, weak, experience stomach discomfort, or have persistent skin itching, do not overlook these symptoms. They may be early indicators of hepatitis B, a serious liver disease. Hepatitis, if left untreated, can severely damage the liver. People who consume excessive alcohol or misuse drugs are at higher risk, but the disease can affect anyone. Among the different types—hepatitis A, B, and C—hepatitis B is considered the most harmful.

What makes hepatitis B particularly dangerous is that if treatment is delayed or symptoms go unnoticed, the virus can gradually destroy the liver. Dr. Anil Arora, Chairman of the Institute of Gastroenterology, Liver, and Pancreatic Biliary Science at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, says that he has seen a rise in hepatitis B cases in recent years. Many patients come for treatment only when the disease has progressed significantly. In some cases, the liver is already severely damaged. Early symptoms are often mild or unclear, which leads to late diagnosis.

The disease can spread silently

Dr. Arora explains that hepatitis B may spread in the body without showing obvious symptoms. The infection is transmitted through contaminated blood and bodily fluids. For example, receiving infected blood during transfusion can transmit the virus. It can also spread through unprotected sex and from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.

Many people dismiss ongoing fatigue, weakness, or persistent stomach pain. However, if such symptoms last for more than three to four days, it is important to see a doctor. Early treatment usually gives good results, but delayed care can cause irreversible liver damage, making recovery difficult.

How to protect yourself from hepatitis B

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B
• Avoid unprotected sex
• Do not ignore early symptoms
• Always take abdominal pain seriously