Final answer:
Symptoms of hepatitis B include jaundice, fatigue, headaches, and joint pain, with jaundice being marked by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Increased hunger is not a recognized symptom of hepatitis B, whereas loss of appetite is. The virus can have varying impacts on health, from a transient illness to chronic, potentially fatal liver disease, and is preventable through vaccination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hepatitis B Symptoms
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that leads to inflammation of the liver. Symptoms can include jaundice, fatigue, headaches, and joint pain, among others. Jaundice presents as yellowing of the skin and eyes, a result of the liver's inability to effectively break down hemoglobin. People infected with hepatitis B may also experience other symptoms like fatigue, possibly due to anemia or inflammation within the body. Headaches can be a nonspecific symptom resulting from the general malaise and inflammation caused by the virus. Joint pain is another reported symptom, which may occur due to the body's immune response to the infection.
Hepatitis B's impact on health can range from a self-limiting illness to chronic liver disease, which can lead to complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. The virus spreads through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids, and there is a vaccine available for prevention. While increased hunger is not typically associated with hepatitis B, symptoms such as loss of appetite are more common.