What is true about Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is predominantly asymptomatic, especially in the initial stages of infection. Many individuals who contract the virus do not show signs or symptoms and may remain unaware of their infection, which can lead to unrecognized transmission of the virus to others.

While some patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, or jaundice, the asymptomatic nature of the infection is particularly notable, especially in adults. Additionally, the fact that Hepatitis B can become chronic in some individuals can further complicate the clinical picture, as they may not exhibit symptoms for years or may only experience mild symptoms.

In contrast, other options misrepresent key aspects of Hepatitis B. It is not typically characterized as highly symptomatic, nor is it something that can be cured quickly—chronic cases may require ongoing management. Lastly, while the primary damage occurs in the liver, Hepatitis B can have extrahepatic manifestations, meaning it can affect other systems in the body as well. Thus, stating that it is almost always asymptomatic captures the fundamental understanding of Hepatitis B's behavior in most cases.