In most instances, clients who are infected with the hepatitis B virus or other bloodborne pathogens are _____________.

Clients who are infected with the hepatitis B virus or other bloodborne pathogens are often asymptomatic, meaning they do not exhibit noticeable symptoms despite being infected. This characteristic is crucial in understanding the transmission of such viruses, as individuals who show no symptoms may still be carriers and capable of spreading the virus to others.

Asymptomatic infections can lead to a lack of awareness about one's infectious status, which poses challenges in controlling the spread of bloodborne viruses in various environments, such as healthcare settings and cosmetology practices. Recognizing that a significant number of individuals may not show symptoms underscores the importance of routine screening and the implementation of strict infection control protocols to protect both clients and practitioners.

The other options suggest varying degrees of symptom presence or contagiousness, but the reality is that many individuals with hepatitis B and similar pathogens do not exhibit symptoms, making them harder to identify and manage.