Whether you’re living with hepatitis B, worried you may have it, supporting someone who is, or looking for trusted information, Liver UK is here for you. We provide expert information, practical support and a welcoming community to help you at every stage of your journey. Together, we’re raising awareness, challenging stigma and working towards a future where everyone affected by hepatitis B is treated with understanding and respect.
Understanding hepatitis B
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B, sometimes called hep B or HBV, is a virus that infects the liver. Hepatitis B is the most widespread form of hepatitis worldwide. Most people clear the virus by themselves and it has no lasting effects. But in some people hepatitis B infection becomes long term (chronic). If this happens, it can cause liver disease.
Who is at risk
Most people living with hepatitis B got the virus when they were born or as a young child. There is more chance of this happening in countries with higher levels of hepatitis B (the UK is not one of them).
The virus is spread through blood and other bodily fluids. This means it can be passed from a mother to her baby. It can also be passed on during sex. Or by sharing any items that can get blood on them, such as razors or needles for injecting medicine or drugs.
Read more about how hepatitis B is passed on.
Vaccination
There is a vaccine for hepatitis B. In the UK babies are vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth, this started in August 2017.
Pregnant women who are at high risk of having hepatitis B can have the vaccine.
Vaccination is also free for anyone who is at risk of hepatitis B. Speak to a doctor about getting the vaccine.
Read more about vaccines against hepatitis B.
Treatment
There is no cure for hepatitis B, but there are treatments available that can manage the condition. Treatment makes you less likely to get serious liver disease. And can also reduce the levels of the virus so that you cannot pass it on. Read more about treatment for hepatitis B.
If you think you could have hepatitis B, you can ask your doctor for a test. Find out more about tests for hepatitis B.
The truth about hepatitis B
We know there are many false claims and incorrect ideas about hepatitis B. People might not even realise what they think or say is not true.
We worked with doctors to make this list of facts about hepatitis B. Share this page to help everyone know the truth about hepatitis B.
- You can prepare and share food with other people.
- You can hug your loved ones. Hepatitis B is passed on through blood so hugging does not pass it on.
- People living with hepatitis B can have children and a normal family life. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to stop the virus being passed on.
- Hepatitis B can be treated and controlled.
- You are not alone. Hepatitis B is one of the most common viral infections in the world.
- Hepatitis B is mainly picked up at birth or in childhood. However you got hepatitis B, it isn’t your fault
Living with hepatitis B – personal stories
Claire
When Claire was diagnosed with hepatitis B, she found herself facing not only a serious health condition but also a lack of information and understanding. In this video, Claire bravely shares her personal journey from diagnosis to advocacy. She talks about the challenges she faced, the importance of seeking support, and her mission to raise awareness and tackle the stigma surrounding hepatitis B.
Monica
Monica’s journey with hepatitis B took a challenging turn when it progressed to liver cancer, eventually leading to a life-saving transplant. Monica shares her powerful story of resilience and recovery. She emphasises the critical importance of regular surveillance for those with hepatitis B to ensure early diagnosis and timely intervention.
This was a big shock because I’d been told people who have this infection with Hepatitis B, can have a normal life for a long time. They doctors had explained that the very worst-case scenario might be a liver transplant, but that I was very, very far away from that because the viral load was so low.
When I was first diagnosed I felt full of shame. I did tell some people – I ran a type of food bank and felt obliged to tell the volunteers. I also told some very close friends I thought I could trust. I was terrified of anyone else finding out and looking it up on the internet and thinking “Ooh, what’s she been doing?
Getting help
The monthly Hepatitis B Virtual Support Group is a safe and confidential space where you can meet with others in the UK living with Hepatitis B. At the meetings we share reliable information on how to live well with the condition, learn through sharing experiences, and promote patient advocacy to give people affected by Hepatitis B a voice.
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