Protecting your loved ones

Both hepatitis D and B are passed on through blood and other body fluids. This can happen if you have an injury, during unprotected sex, or by sharing things that get blood on them. This means people close to you, like your partner or people you live with, might be at risk of getting viral hepatitis too. Don’t worry. There are things you can do to protect them.

People you live with, partners, and close family members should:

• be told that you have hepatitis D and B, so they can be protected
• get tested for both viruses – tests are free from the GP or sexual health clinic
• get vaccinated against hepatitis B (if their test shows they do not have it or are not naturally immune against hepatitis B) – this stops them getting hepatitis B so they can’t get hepatitis D

Things you can do to help protect other people:

• clean any scratches, cuts or open wounds and cover them with a waterproof plaster until they have healed
• clean any spilt blood up using undiluted household bleach to kill any viruses
• don’t share anything that can get blood on, for example toothbrushes, razors, or needles
• make sure sexual partners are vaccinated against hepatitis B
• if a sexual partner also lives with hepatitis B, use barrier contraceptives such as condoms to protect against hepatitis D

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Having a baby and breastfeeding

People living with hepatitis D can have children. There are a few things to consider, so talk to your doctor if you are planning to have a baby.

If your partner does not have hepatitis D, there is a very small chance it can be passed on while you are trying to get pregnant. If they do not have hepatitis B or are not naturally immune against hepatitis B, then they can have a vaccine to protect them from hepatitis B. This will also stop them from getting hepatitis D. If your partner lives with hepatitis B but not hepatitis D, it’s best to discuss the options with both your doctors.

If you will be having the baby

It isn’t safe to take interferon or bulevirtide while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not just stop taking your medicine. Talk to your doctor and they can explain the options and help you decide what will be best for you. If you have been taking it for at least 1 year, you might be able to take a break. You might still be able to take medicines for hepatitis B.

When your baby is born they will have their first vaccine within 24 hours of being born and extra doses of the hepatitis B vaccine during their first year. If your viral levels are high, they can also have a special injection of antibodies against the virus in their first 24 hours. This helps stop them getting hepatitis B and D. 

If your partner will be having the baby

It is safe for you to take your viral hepatitis medicines as usual. The baby may not need extra doses of vaccine or antibodies at birth. It will depend on whether your partner has any type of viral hepatitis. Speak to your doctor about what to expect and anything you need to do to protect your baby from viral hepatitis.

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Eating and drinking healthily

Hepatitis D isn’t the only thing that can damage your liver. So it’s a good idea to look after it in other ways. This can help reduce the strain on your liver, so it doesn’t get more damaged and can even get a bit better.

It’s best to not drink alcohol at all. If you do drink, stay under the NHS limit of 14 units a week and have 3 days off in a row every week Find out more about alcohol for people with a liver condition.

Eat a well-balanced diet. That means one with plenty of fibre, vegetables and fruit. Try not to have too many fatty or salty foods. We have lots of information about eating healthily to help you, including advice on a well-balanced diet and answers to common questions.

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Can supplements or traditional or alternative medicines help?

You should be able to get all the vitamins and minerals you need from a well-balanced diet. So that’s the first thing to think about. If you are worried about your diet, speak to your doctor.

There aren’t any supplements or traditional or alternative medicines that have been shown to help with liver disease or hepatitis D. It can be very tempting to try things you hear or read about, especially if your condition is hard to live with or difficult to treat. But this can do more harm than good.

Your liver has to process everything that goes into your body – including supplements and medicines. So taking these can just give your liver extra work, without helping you. Some things can also cause more liver damage or interact with the medicines your doctor has prescribed so they don’t work properly.

Our advice is to always speak to your doctor before trying any supplement or traditional or alternative medicine. Read more information about supplements and alternative and traditional medicines.

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