Information and support
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.
If you are newly diagnosed with, living with, or at risk of hepatitis B, we are here to support you. You can also help us raise awareness and challenge the stigma faced by people with hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B - risk factors, tests and treatments
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 and testing
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.
Patient stories
Loredana's story
“In the 1970s both of my parents had the virus hepatitis B. It can be passed from mother to baby, so when I was born I was tested for it and given the all clear.”
Read more
Steven's story
“I discovered I had hep B when I went to donate blood. I hadn’t had any symptoms, the only thing I’d felt was a bit tired, which I thought was because of my job.”
Read more
Monica's story
“I was born with hepatitis B which had been passed on to me, unknowingly, by my mother. I was diagnosed with the virus shortly after my mother passed away. “
Read more on Liver Cancer UKChallenging stigma
At the British Liver Trust, we believe that people with hepatitis B should be supported not judged.
This is why we launched our Stamp out Stigma to highlight and address the stigma faced by people with liver disease. The campaign aims to empower people with liver disease to challenge stigma, educate healthcare professionals and the public and raise awareness of the impact of stigma.
Watch Amanda’s story to hear about her journey from darkness to light and why people with hepatitis B should hold their heads high.
People are invited to support the campaign by adding their name here: Stamp out Stigma – British Liver Trust
If you have faced stigma, we have help and advice here: Help and advice for dealing with stigma – British Liver Trust
Get involved
Help create new patient information
Working with patient reviewers is really important to us.
We get feedback at all stages of the process, from our initial ideas through to the final design, so there are lots of opportunities to get involved.
Email our Patient Info Team
Share your story
Help us raise awareness and tackle stigma by sharing your story like Amanda.
The first step is having a chat with our friendly comms team. It’s up to you what information you share and where it will be seen.
Email our comms team
Share good practice and research findings
If you’re a clinician or researcher improving life with hep B, we want to know!
We can spread the word with our HCP newsletter, research blog, social media and more.
Email our comms team