Symptoms of hepatitis B may not appear for 3 months after exposure and can last for 2–12 weeks. However, you are still contagious, even without symptoms . The virus can live outside the body for up to seven days.

What is the contagious period for hepatitis B?

HBV can survive outside the body and remains infectious for at least 7 days (2).

How long is hepatitis contagious?

You are most contagious soon after you are infected. Adults who are otherwise healthy are no longer contagious two weeks after the illness begins. Children and people with weak immune systems may be contagious for up to six months.

Which is worse hepatitis A or hepatitis B?

Like hepatitis A, hepatitis B (HBV) is a communicable liver infection (which is caused by the hepatitis B virus). However, the main difference between the two is that HBV can become a chronic, long-term illness for some, causing serious health issues like cirrhosis or liver cancer.

How long does it take to recover from hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B infection may be either short-lived (acute) or long lasting (chronic). Acute hepatitis B infection lasts less than six months. Your immune system likely can clear acute hepatitis B from your body, and you should recover completely within a few months.

Does hepatitis B go away on its own?

In most cases, hepatitis B goes away on its own. You can relieve your symptoms at home by resting, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Also, find out from your doctor what medicines and herbal products to avoid, because some can make liver damage caused by hepatitis B worse.