An Overview of the Hepatitis B Incubation Period
When a person becomes infected with the
hepatitis B virus (HBV), the virus begins to multiply within the liver cells. As more and more of the
hepatitis B virus is made in the liver cells, they can become damaged and may even die.
After 4 to 12 weeks (on average),
hepatitis B symptoms can begin. This period between
hepatitis B transmission and the start of hepatitis B symptoms is called the "hepatitis B incubation period." The hepatitis B incubation period can be as short as 30 days or as long as 180 days. This incubation period is dependent of the number of virus particles a person is exposed to. Infection with very few particles results in a longer incubation period.
Is a Person Contagious During the Hepatitis B Incubation Period?
A person is contagious during the hepatitis B incubation period.
A person who is infected with hepatitis B begins to be contagious early in the incubation period. About one-half of people remain contagious for up to two months after hepatitis B symptoms begin. The remainder of people who do not develop chronic hepatitis B will remain contagious for up to 15 weeks after symptoms begin. If a person develops chronic hepatitis B, they will remain contagious indefinitely.
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