Mon, 28 Jul 2025
Each year, World Hepatitis Day shines a spotlight on the global burden of viral hepatitis – a disease that silently affects millions but is often misunderstood or overlooked. This year, we spoke to Dr. Andy King, Consultant Hepatologist at HCA, The Harborne and Circle Priory Hospital, Birmingham, to break down the facts about hepatitis, bust the myths, and share why getting tested could save your life.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver, but in the context of World Hepatitis Day, the focus is on viral hepatitis – particularly Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
According to Dr. King, these are the viruses that cause chronic, long-term infection and can lead to serious complications:
“The significance of chronic hepatitis infection is the development of liver disease in the form of cirrhosis and liver cancer, which are both significant health risks.”
Other types of hepatitis, like Hepatitis A and E, tend to cause short-term illness that usually resolves on its own, similar to a bad cold or flu. However, Hepatitis B and C can remain hidden in the body for decades – causing damage without people realising.
How do you know if you have hepatitis?
One of the most dangerous things about Hepatitis B and C is that they are often symptomless, especially in the early stages. Many people won’t feel unwell at all unless the disease progresses to a very advanced stage.
In some cases, an acute infection with Hepatitis B can cause noticeable symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), but for the majority of people, the infection goes unnoticed.
“Most people would be unaware that they’re affected unless it causes significant liver disease.” – Dr. King
How do you catch hepatitis?
Both Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood or body fluids, but the ways they spread differ slightly.
Hepatitis B:
- Unprotected sex
- Sharing drug paraphernalia (needles, etc.)
- Mother-to-baby transmission (common in countries without vaccination programmes)
- Unsafe medical practices (rare in the UK, but a risk in some parts of the world)
Hepatitis C:
- Blood-borne transmission is the main route, especially:
- Sharing needles
- Receiving medical care in areas where sterilisation is poor
Sexual transmission of Hepatitis C is rare but can happen.
How can you get tested?
The good news is that hepatitis testing is simple, quick, and widely available.
“Both of these viruses are tested for with a straightforward blood test – sometimes even just a finger prick.”
You can get tested at:
- Your GP surgery
- Sexual health clinics
- Drug and alcohol services
- Some hospital A&E departments now automatically test for hepatitis and HIV as part of routine blood work, unless you choose to opt out.
Who should get tested?
While everyone can benefit from getting tested, Dr. King highlights specific groups at higher risk:
- People who inject drugs (current or past use)
- People who have been in prison (due to higher-risk behaviours, limited healthcare access, and poor infection control)
- Those who’ve had medical care abroad in settings with lower hygiene standards
- Anyone with a history of unprotected sex with partners from high-prevalence areas
- People who have lived in or come from countries with higher rates of hepatitis
“If you’re worried, just get a test. There are effective treatments available, and finding out allows you to get treated and prevent passing it on.”
The treatment revolution: Hepatitis C
Treatment for Hepatitis C has changed dramatically in the last 10–15 years.
In the past, it involved long courses of medication with harsh side effects – and even then, only a 40–50% success rate. Today, things are very different.
“We now have tablet-only treatments with almost no side effects. After 8 to 12 weeks, they have a 95 to 99% cure rate.”
Because of these new treatments, rates of Hepatitis C in the UK are falling rapidly. There’s now a global effort to eliminate Hepatitis C entirely, but this can only happen if more people get tested and diagnosed.
What about Hepatitis B?
Unlike Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B cannot be cured, but highly effective treatments exist to manage the condition and reduce the risk of liver disease and cancer.
Vaccination is also key. Close contacts of people diagnosed with Hepatitis B can be vaccinated to prevent infection.
The take-home message
When asked for the single most important message he wanted to share for World Hepatitis Day, Dr. King was clear:
“Don’t be afraid of getting diagnosed. There are effective treatments. And if you’re worried, get tested.”
Why does this matter?
The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body – responsible for everything from filtering toxins to helping with digestion.
“When the liver goes wrong, everything else in the body goes wrong.” – Dr. King
By raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging testing, we can save lives and reduce the long-term impact of viral hepatitis.
Time to take a step towards better health?
If you’re concerned about your liver health or think you may be at risk, don’t wait. Testing is quick, simple, and can be life-saving. No referral is needed. Contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation or hepatitis screening with one of our specialists.
Together, we can take action—early detection means better outcomes.
