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A Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can cause acute or chronic inflammation. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can also be transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids.
The virus affects the liver cells (hepatocytes) and can cause progressive liver damage. Without proper monitoring and treatment, chronic infection can develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
HBV is transmitted mainly through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, sharing syringes, blades or sharp objects contaminated, mother-to-child transmission during labour, or in rarer cases, transfusions of contaminated blood.
One of the biggest challenges with hepatitis B is that many infected people have no symptoms in the early stages. When they appear, the most common signs include fatigue, slight fever, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). The infection may remain asymptomatic for years, while the virus continues to cause inflammation and silent liver damage.
Without diagnosis and medical follow-up, chronic hepatitis B can develop into liver failure, cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, with proper treatment and regular monitoring, it is possible to control the virus and avoid complications.
With advances in medicine, the hepatitis B is treatable and manageable. The antiviral medicines and liver function monitoring reduce the multiplication of the virus, protect the liver and prevent the progression of the disease. In addition, there is a highly effective vaccine which prevents infection and is recommended for the entire population.
Early diagnosis and regular medical follow-up are essential to ensure a healthy life. long and healthy life, to reduce the risk of transmission and avoid liver complications.
The symptoms of Hepatitis B vary from person to person and depend on the stage of infection and the body's immune response. Many infected people, especially in the early stages, have no visible symptoms, which makes early diagnosis difficult and favours the transmission of the virus.
When present, signs can appear weeks or months after exposure to the virus and are divided into two main phases:
Acute phase (1 to 4 months after infection)
At this stage, the virus begins to multiply in the liver and can cause symptoms similar to those of the flu or a gastrointestinal infection.
The most common symptoms include
Fatigue or intense tiredness
Mild fever or feeling unwell
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain, especially on the right side (liver area)
Dark urine (tea or cola colour)
Clear or whitish faeces
Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
Muscle or joint pain
These symptoms can last for weeks to months, disappearing as the body eliminates the virus. However, in some cases, the infection becomes chronic.
Chronic phase (persistent)
When the immune system is unable to eliminate the virus, it remains active in the liver, causing continuous inflammation. At this stage, many patients remain asymptomatic, but the virus continues to cause progressive damage and can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Signs that can appear in more advanced stages include:
Persistent fatigue
Chronic abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling (ascites)
Unintentional weight loss
Recurrent jaundice
The absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of infection, so screening is essential, especially in people with risky behaviour or contact with infected blood and body fluids.
A Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), transmitted through the contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as semen, vaginal secretions and saliva (to a lesser degree). Transmission occurs when these fluids come into contact with mucous membranes or small skin lesions, or are injected directly into the bloodstream.
The main forms of hepatitis B transmission include:
Unlike other infections, hepatitis B not transmitted through casual contactsuch as:
Infection almost always occurs through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids, where use of condoms and sterilised material the most effective forms of prevention.
Other important prevention measures include:
Regular screening for hepatitis B and other STIs in sexually active people.
The diagnosis of Hepatitis B is done through specific laboratory tests that detect the presence of antibodies and antigens of the virus in the blood. These tests make it possible to identify infection in both the early and chronic stages, even in the absence of symptoms, guaranteeing early diagnosis and timely treatment.
The process is organised to ensure clinical rigour, security and total confidentiality:
This process guarantees fast, secure and confidential diagnosis, with continuous medical monitoring and personalised guidance.
Early screening for hepatitis B is essential in order to avoid liver complications and ensure a healthy life. healthy and controlled life.
One of the most worrying characteristics of Hepatitis B is that many infected people have no symptoms for months or even years.
Even without visible signs, the virus can remain active in the liver, causing chronic inflammation and progressive damage to liver cells.
The absence of symptoms does not mean that the virus has disappeared.
The hepatitis B virus can remain latent in the organism, It continues to multiply silently and causes damage to the liver over time.
Even when it doesn't cause any apparent symptoms, Hepatitis B can evolve discreetly and lead to complications:
Hepatitis B can remain active or latent for long periods of time, acting as a silent but progressive infection.
That's why regular screening and specialised medical care are essential for identifying the infection early on and starting appropriate treatment.
With antiviral therapy, It is possible to control the virus, protect the liver and reduce the risk of serious complications.
In addition, vaccination and prevention measures make it possible to avoid new infections and stop transmission.
Continuous medical monitoring and early diagnosis are fundamental to guaranteeing a healthy life. long and healthy life, This reduces the risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer and other complications associated with Hepatitis B.
This process ensures a quick, safe and confidential diagnosis, with ongoing medical monitoring and personalised guidance.
Early diagnosis is essential to protect the liver and ensure a healthy, controlled life.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
The virus affects liver cells (hepatocytes) and can cause acute or chronic inflammation, which can develop, without follow-up, into cirrhosis or liver cancer.
It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can also be transmitted by contaminated blood or from mother to child during labour.
With proper treatment and medical supervision, it is possible to control the virus, protect the liver and live healthily.
Yes. Many people with Hepatitis B don't show symptoms in the early stages.
The virus can remain latent and active in the liver for years, causing silent inflammation and progressive damage.
The absence of symptoms does not mean that the virus has disappeared - only that the infection is progressing asymptomatically.
Symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the infection.
Acute phase (1 to 4 months after exposure):
Chronic (persistent) phase:
In many cases, hepatitis B occurs without visible symptoms, so laboratory screening is essential.
After booking an appointment online and filling in the medical questionnaire, the doctor will assess your case and may recommend specific laboratory analyses such as:
The analyses can be carried out in the laboratory of your choice, as long as it uses validated methods for detecting HBV.
Yes. All clinical data and results are treated with total confidentiality, in accordance with the GDPR and health data protection regulations.
Medical information is not shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
If the test confirms the infection, the doctor will make a second online appointment for you:
Define a plan for regular follow-up and prevention of complications.
Most adults with acute hepatitis B eliminate the virus naturally within six months.
However, in some cases, the infection becomes chronic.
Although there is no definitive cure, modern antivirals make it possible to control the replication of the virus, protect the liver and reduce the risk of cirrhosis or cancer.
Yes. It is important to inform sexual partners and people with whom you may have shared sharp objects.
The doctor can advise you on how to communicate safely and on the importance of vaccinating close contacts.
Yes, your doctor may recommend regular screening, especially for sexually active people, health professionals or those who come into frequent contact with blood.
In general:
Chronic patients should be monitored every 6 to 12 months.
If you experience intense jaundice, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, mental confusion, abdominal swelling or bleeding, you should seek emergency medical attention.
Teleconsultation is not a substitute for face-to-face care in serious situations.
Dr Igor Faria
Training: Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto
No. of doctors: 48611
Welcome to Médico na Net! I'm Dr Igor Faria and I see medicine as a commitment to proximity, where every patient deserves to be listened to and cared for carefully.
Since the beginning of my career, I've always been fascinated by the possibility of making a difference, whether in prevention, emergency or long-term follow-up.
I believe that medicine should be accessible and person-centred, with an empathetic and integrative approach.
Dr Mafalda Morais
Training: University of
Santiago de Compostela
No. of doctors: 57192
Welcome to Médico na Net! I'm Dr Mafalda and I've always had a passion for medicine and the positive impact it can have on people's lives.
I believe that medical care should be accessible, precise and reliable, always respecting the individuality of each patient.
With an empathetic and humanised approach, I'm here to help you take care of your health in a complete and personalised way.
Training: Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto
No. of doctors: 48611
Dr Igor Faria has over 16 years' experience as a doctor and a career marked by a commitment to care and proximity to his patients. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP) in 2008 and specialised in General Practice in 2014, achieving the title of Graduate Assistant in 2023. With a postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine, he combines his clinical knowledge with the promotion of health and well-being in different contexts.
Throughout her career, she has been part of emergency medical teams and ongoing support, namely in the VMER in Viana do Castelo between 2010 and 2022 and in monitoring Residential Structures for the Elderly (ERPI) from 2014 to the present. Her experience and training reflect a broad interest in areas such as Geriatrics, Preventive Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Cardiology and Sports Medicine, guaranteeing comprehensive care tailored to the needs of each patient.
Her approach is based on empathy, active listening and an integrative vision of medical care. She believes that humour can be an essential tool in the doctor-patient relationship, making consultations lighter and more accessible. At Médico na Net, her main goal is to help those who can't find a solution in the National Health Service, providing a service that is accessible, humane and focused on the autonomy and well-being of her patients.
Outside of medicine, he devotes himself to his family, sport and personal development, believing that a balance between body and mind is essential for a fulfilling life. Guided by values such as beneficence, autonomy, sincerity, integrity and justice, he sees every consultation as an opportunity to help, guide and make a difference. As he likes to say, inspired by Confucius: "Choose a job you love and you won't have to work a day in your life."
Training: University of
Santiago de Compostela
No. of doctors: 57192
Dr Mafalda graduated in Medicine from the University of Santiago de Compostela, completing her studies in 2013. Since then, she has specialised in General Practice and has accumulated 12 years' experience in patient care in various healthcare institutions. She complemented her training with a postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine and Aesthetic Medicine, allowing her to offer more comprehensive care adapted to the different needs of her patients.
He currently works at USF Foz do Lima and the Viana do Castelo Private Hospitalwhere she provides medical care centred on well-being and prevention. He has worked in various health institutions.
Training: University of Barcelona
No. of doctors: 71409
Dr Alexandra Azevedo graduated in Medicine from the University of Barcelona in 2015, where she subsequently specialised in General Practice. During her training, she developed a strong interest in the approach to chronic pain, having completed an integrated master's degree in Medicine and Surgery with clinical research into pain management. Her professional experience includes several years of clinical practice in Spain, particularly in Catalonia, where she has had contact with a wide variety of pathologies and challenges, both in the emergency department and in primary healthcare.
She currently works as a family doctor at the ULS Braga. She has been a member of the medical-surgical emergency team at Vila Nova de Famalicão Hospital and has worked as a guest lecturer at the Nursing School of the University of Minho, teaching anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.
Her main clinical interests include emergency medicine, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, as well as preventive medicine and the control of vascular risk factors. She is also dedicated to anti-smoking counselling and weight loss counselling, helping her patients to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Her approach to care is based on a holistic vision, considering health as a balance between physical and psychological well-being.
Dr Alexandra stands out for her humanism and her ability to offer quick and effective solutions to minor problems, ensuring that her patients feel well looked after. At Médico na Net, she sees an opportunity to bring healthcare to more people in an accessible and convenient way.
Passionate about music and travelling, she loves getting to know different cultures and lifestyles, which enriches her view of the world and her medical practice. For her, medicine is not just a profession, but a real commitment to the well-being of the people she cares for. As she likes to say: "Health is the balance between physical and psychological well-being.
