Hepatitis B (often called hep B) is caused by a virus that spreads through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. 

It tends to clear up on its own after a few months. Although, in some cases it can last from 6 months to many years. This can cause major health issues like liver damage and liver cancer.

Your chance of catching hep B in the UK is low and there are lots of things you can do to protect yourself. It’s more common in other parts of the world including Africa, Asia and the Middle East. 

Most people with hep B have no symptoms or only have mild symptoms. If you do get them, symptoms can include: 

  • a high temperature
  • feeling tired
  • pain in your upper abdomen (tummy)
  • feeling sick or being sick
  • patches of raised skin that may feel itchy (hives)
  • yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Hep B is spread by having vaginal, anal or oral sex without using a condom, or sharing sex toys without cleaning them and covering them with a new condom first. It can also be passed on by:

  • injecting drugs using shared needles
  • being injured by a used needle
  • having a tattoo or piercing with unsterilised tools
  • having a blood transfusion in a country that does not check blood for hep B (transfusions in the UK are screened for it)

The virus can be passed from a mother to a baby during pregnancy and birth. If you are pregnant and have hep B then your baby will be given extra vaccinations to help stop them getting it. Speak with your midwife or GP, or call us as soon as you can, if you are pregnant and think you could have hep B. 

Your chance of catching hep B in this country is low. 

Your risk is higher if: 

  • you travel to parts of the world where it’s more common 
  • you are a gay man, or have sex with men who have sex with men (MSM)
  • you or your sexual partner inject drugs 
  • you or your sexual partner are HIV positive
  • you have a sexual partner who has hep B
  • you are living with liver disease or kidney disease
  • your job puts you at higher risk of infection – for example, you're a healthcare worker or you work in a prison

All babies are given the hep B vaccine as standard. You can get the jab as an adult, but it’s only needed if you are at higher risk of catching the virus or getting very ill from it. If you are unsure whether you need the vaccine we are happy to talk it through with you. 

If you need one you can get a free jab from your GP or a sexual health clinic. Your employer should arrange it for you if your job puts you at risk. 

If you plan to travel to a higher-risk country, you should be able to get a vaccine from your GP, but you will likely have to pay. 

If you get symptoms or think you could have been exposed to hep B, please either: 

If you think you might have caught hep b and have not had the vaccine, you might be able to get an emergency jab. You may also be given antibodies that work with the vaccine to stop the virus taking hold. 

Anything you tell us is private and we will do all we can to support you. We can do a blood test to check for hep B. If you test positive you will not need any treatment, but you can take medicine to help with any symptoms.

We understand that you might feel anxious or scared, but the sooner you get your diagnosis or have the vaccine, the better it will be for your long-term health. So please do not put off getting in touch. 

If hep B lasts for over 6 months it is called long-term (chronic) hepatitis B. You will likely be treated with antiviral medicine and other medicine to help with your symptoms, and will need to see a specialist for check-ups.

If you are living with hep B or think you might have it, make sure you use condoms so you do not pass it on. Your sexual partner (or partners) should also get vaccinated and tested.  Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes or needles. 

You can avoid hep B by: 

  • using condoms and practising safe sex
  • not sharing needles  
  • getting the hep B vaccine if you need it 
  • checking your tattooist or piercer is trained, registered and uses clean needles, before you get anything done