What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is the world's most common liver infection and is passed via blood-to-blood contact. This means that blood infected with the virus must get into the bloodstream of another person to be passed on. 

Hepatitis B is called a "silent infection" because most people do not have any symptoms when they are first infected. Thus, they can unknowingly pass the virus to others and continue the silent spread of Hepatitis B. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you are infected.

Without treatment, hepatitis B can cause serious damage to the liver. Untreated hepatitis B may eventually lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure.

How do you get Hepatitis B?

You may have been exposed to hepatitis B if you have ever:

• been exposed to the hepatitis B virus while your mother was pregnant
• shared equipment (needles, syringes, spoons, straws) used to take recreational or performance-enhancing drugs, such as anabolic steroids, even once
• had a blood transfusion or organ transplant in the UK before the mid-1990s
• had medical or dental treatment in a country where infection control procedures may be poor
• had tattoos, piercings, acupuncture or electrolysis where infection control procedures may be poor e.g. unlicensed venues, the armed forces or in prison
• shared personal hygiene products, such as razors and toothbrushes, which may have small droplets of blood on them
• had unprotected sexual contact where blood was present
• worked in an environment where you may have come into contact with infected blood, such as through a needlestick injury

Support and Resources

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with hepatitis B, you are not alone. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 people worldwide will be infected with the hepatitis B virus in their lifetime.

We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with Hep B companion as part of the pilot. 

Hep B companion is a non-profit dedicated to advocate for the rights of all those affected by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and ensure access to healthcare, testing, and clinical research. They are a peer-led organisation, which means that the majority of their staff and volunteers have been affected by hepatitis B directly or indirectly. 

For more information to help answer some of your questions and help you navigate living a healthy life with hepatitis B, please head to this page.