References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are two different viruses that both infect the liver. They share some transmission routes and both can cause chronic infection leading to liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. But they differ significantly in terms of vaccination, treatment and long-term outlook. Understanding the basics helps you know how to protect yourself and when to get tested.
Here’s an introduction to both.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Hepatitis B (HBV) | Hepatitis C (HCV) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of virus | DNA virus | RNA virus |
| Vaccine available | Yes | No |
| Sexual transmission | Common | Possible but less common |
| Mother-to-child transmission | High risk without treatment | Possible, lower rate |
| Chronic infection rate in adults | Under 5% | Up to 75% |
| Cure available | Not routine — suppressive treatment | Yes — over 95% cure rate |
| Liver cancer risk | Yes, particularly in chronic cases | Yes, particularly in cirrhosis |
Hepatitis B Basics
How it’s spread
- Unprotected sex
- Sharing injecting equipment
- Mother to baby during birth
- Blood-to-blood contact
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms. Acute hepatitis B can cause jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and loss of appetite. Chronic hepatitis B often has no symptoms until advanced liver damage develops.
Vaccination
The hepatitis B vaccine is part of the UK childhood immunisation schedule. Adults at higher risk can also be vaccinated free on the NHS.
Treatment
Chronic hepatitis B is treated with antiviral drugs that suppress the virus. Treatment usually continues long-term. Some people achieve functional cure (loss of surface antigen) but this is uncommon.
Hepatitis C Basics
How it’s spread
- Sharing injecting equipment (main route in the UK)
- Unsterile tattooing or body piercing
- Mother to baby during birth
- Sex — less common but possible, particularly with anal sex or co-existing STIs
- Historical blood transfusions before screening
Symptoms
Most people have no symptoms. Chronic infection can cause fatigue, joint pain and eventually liver damage. Many people are diagnosed only during routine testing or when liver problems appear.
Vaccination
No vaccine currently exists for hepatitis C.
Treatment
Modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment cures over 95% of people with hepatitis C in 8-12 weeks. Treatment is free on the NHS. This is one of the biggest advances in infectious disease treatment of recent decades.
Who Should Get Tested?
- Anyone who has ever injected drugs
- People with HIV
- People born in countries with high prevalence
- People with unexplained liver problems
- Anyone who had a blood transfusion before 1991 (UK)
- Sexual partners of people with hepatitis B or C
- Men who have sex with men (higher hepatitis C risk in some networks)
Read more: Hepatitis B and HIV | Liver disease and HIV | Hepatitis C survival
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hepatitis B be cured?
Not routinely. Most people need long-term suppressive treatment. A small percentage achieve functional cure.
Is hepatitis C curable?
Yes. Modern DAA treatment cures over 95% of cases. This is a genuine cure, not just suppression.
Can I get both at the same time?
Yes, co-infection with B and C is possible, particularly in people with shared risk factors. Each needs its own treatment approach.
Related reading
- A to Z of Sex: Sexual Health Terms Explained
- Alcohol and HIV: What You Need to Know
- Anxiety and HIV: Coping and Getting Support
- Are All STIs Curable?
- Blood Problems and HIV: Anaemia, Low Platelets and More
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
