Final answer:
A client with hepatitis B who shows no signs of illness is described as asymptomatic. They can still transmit the virus despite the absence of symptoms, often due to a weak immune response that allows the virus to persist and cause chronic disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
A client with hepatitis B who does not appear ill is said to be asymptomatic. An asymptomatic carrier is an infected individual who can transmit the pathogen to others regardless of the absence of symptoms. In the case of hepatitis B, despite the virus causing damage and potentially leading to chronic conditions like liver cancer or cirrhosis, the individual might not show any noticeable symptoms. This can be an indication of a weak immune response, allowing the virus to persist and produce progeny virions over years without being eliminated by the immune system. Therefore, regular blood work is essential for those at risk to detect such infections early. Additionally, a vaccination is available for hepatitis B to help prevent the infection.