Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus. It is one of the most common viral infections and affects millions of people worldwide. Long-term (chronic) infections can be controlled so in most people they do not cause serious problems.

Also called: Hep B, HBV

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The information on this page is for:

Adults and children with hepatitis B or suspected hepatitis B.
Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.

Quick Summary

Hepatitis B:

Is a common virus that affects millions of people around the world.
Most people with chronic hepatitis B got the virus when they were born or as a small child. There is more chance of this happening in countries with higher levels of the virus (the UK is not one of them).
Most adults fight off the virus within 6 months. This is called acute hepatitis B. Symptoms can be like a mild flu, or you may not have any symptoms.
Chronic hepatitis B is an infection that lasts longer than 6 months. It is usually lifelong.
Living with hepatitis B can lead to liver damage. This increases the chance of serious liver disease (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. Most people with hepatitis B do not get cirrhosis or liver cancer.
There is a very good vaccine against hepatitis B. All babies born in the UK after 2017 are vaccinated. People at risk can get the vaccine for free.
Hepatitis B cannot be cured. There are treatments that can help control the virus and stop or slow down any liver damage. Whether you have treatment depends on how active the virus is.

Find out more about hepatitis B using the links below.

Find out more

What is hepatitis B?

How does hepatitis B cause liver disease?

How is it passed on and who is at risk?

Vaccines

Symptoms

Acute hepatitis B

Tests

Just diagnosed

Treatment

Information to download

Booklets and leaflets

Hepatitis B: Just diagnosed

Hepatitis B: just diagnosed in other languages

Hepatitis B young people’s guide

Support

How Liver UK can help

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This content was last reviewed: July 2023

Our expert reviewers:

We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Dr Ahmed Elsharkawy, Consultant Hepatologist, Dr Kathryn Jack (PhD RN), Clinical Lead Nurse Research and Innovation, Nottingham University Hospitals. And all our patient reviewers.

Find out how we make our patient information.

Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.