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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. The chance of getting it in the UK is low. There's a vaccine if you're at high risk or travelling to a country where it's more common.

If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. The chance of getting it in the UK is low. There's a vaccine if you're at high risk or travelling to a country where it's more common.

The infection usually only lasts for a few months, but some people can have hepatitis B long-term.

How you can get hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that is spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids.

You can get hepatitis B from:

  • having vaginal, anal or oral sex without using a condom or dam
  • injecting drugs using shared needles
  • being injured by a used needle
  • having a tattoo or piercing with unsterilised equipment
  • having a blood transfusion in a country that does not check blood for hepatitis B. Blood transfusions in the UK are checked for hepatitis B.

If you're pregnant and have hepatitis B, you can also pass it onto your baby during pregnancy or birth.

Hepatitis B from infected blood

Since 1972, donated blood has been tested for hepatitis B to make sure it's as safe as possible. This means the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion from it is extremely low.

Higher risk areas

The risk of getting hepatitis B is higher in some parts of the world, including:

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • the Middle East
  • parts of South America and eastern Europe

How to prevent hepatitis B

Consult with a doctor about Hepatitis B

Consult with a doctor about Hepatitis B

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Hepatitis B vaccination

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis B. In the UK, the hepatitis B vaccine is given to babies as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine.

Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B are given additional vaccinations to reduce the risk of them getting the infection.

Adults only need to get the hepatitis B vaccine if they're at high risk, for example:

  • you are travelling to a high-risk country – you may have to pay for a hepatitis B vaccine for travel
  • you have liver or kidney disease
  • you have HIV
  • your job puts you at risk of infection – for example, you're a healthcare worker or work in a prison

Your employer should organise your vaccination if your job puts you at risk.

If you're travelling abroad, get advice from a travel clinic, GP, nurse or pharmacist before you go.

Other ways to reduce your risk

To help protect yourself from hepatitis B you should also:

  • use a condom or dam when having vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, and needles with others

Symptoms of hepatitis B

Symptoms of hepatitis B infection include:

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

The infection usually lasts for 1 to 3 months and most people either have no symptoms or mild symptoms. If the infection lasts longer than 6 months it is called chronic hepatitis B.

See a GP if:

  • you think you might have hepatitis B

Treatments for hepatitis B

Hepatitis B usually clears up on its own without treatment. You may be offered medicine to help with the symptoms, such as painkillers or medicines to stop you feeling sick.

Your GP will refer you to see a liver specialist who will check how well your liver is working.

If hepatitis B lasts for over 6 months it is called long-term (chronic) hepatitis B.

It is usually treated with antivirals and medicine to help relieve symptoms such as itchiness, pain, and sickness. You will also need to see a liver specialist for regular check-ups.

Living with hepatitis B

As well as medical treatments, there are some things you can when you have hepatitis B to help ease the symptoms and stop the infection spreading to others.

Do

  • rest and stay hydrated

  • take painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen – ask your doctor for advice about how much paracetamol you should take as you may not be able to take a normal dose

  • keep your room well ventilated, wear loose clothing and avoid hot showers and baths if you feel itchy

Don’t

  • do not drink alcohol

  • do not have sex without a condom or dam

  • do not share razors, toothbrushes or needles with others

Complications of hepatitis B

Most people do not have any lasting problems after having a hepatitis B infection.

If left untreated, chronic hepatitis B can cause liver damage (cirrhosis) and increase your risk of getting liver cancer.

It is important to take any medicine you have been prescribed and go for regular check-ups to make sure your liver is working properly.

Online doctors for Hepatitis B

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Hepatitis B with a doctor online.

5.0 (5)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

5.0 (1040)
Doctor

Andrei Popov

General medicine 7 years exp.

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

0.0 (0)
Doctor

Joao Silva

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr. João Silva is a physician with training and experience in the field of General and Family Medicine, dedicated to providing healthcare focused on the well-being and quality of life of his patients. Throughout his professional career, he has developed broad clinical competencies, striving to maintain a medical practice based on scientific evidence and continuous knowledge updates.

Between 2013 and 2019, he completed the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Porto, where he acquired a solid academic and clinical education.

Subsequently, between January 2021 and December 2021, he completed the General Internship at the Entre Douro e Vouga Hospital Center in Santa Maria da Feira, where he had the opportunity to work in different hospital settings and deepen his competencies in several areas of medicine.

From January 2022 until March 2026, he works as a Resident Physician in General and Family Medicine at USF Salvador Machado in Oliveira de Azeméis, developing clinical activities in primary healthcare, follow-up of chronic patients, and health promotion in the community.

Complementing his medical training, Dr. João Silva also completed a Postgraduate Degree in Continuing and Palliative Care at CESPU, strengthening his preparation in the comprehensive approach to patient care, especially in situations requiring prolonged care and multidisciplinary support.

5.0 (181)
Doctor

Yevgen Yakovenko

General surgery 12 years exp.

Dr. Yevgen Yakovenko is a licensed surgeon and general practitioner in Spain and Germany. He specialises in general, paediatric, and oncological surgery, internal medicine, and pain management. He offers online consultations for adults and children, combining surgical precision with therapeutic support. Dr Yakovenko works with patients across different countries and provides care in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Spanish.

Areas of medical expertise:

  • Acute and chronic pain: headaches, muscle and joint pain, back pain, abdominal pain, postoperative pain. Identifying the cause, selecting treatment, and creating a care plan.
  • Internal medicine: heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system. Management of chronic conditions, symptom control, second opinions.
  • Pre- and postoperative care: risk assessment, decision-making support, follow-up after surgery, rehabilitation strategies.
  • General and paediatric surgery: hernias, appendicitis, congenital conditions, both planned and urgent surgeries.
  • Injuries and trauma: bruises, fractures, sprains, soft tissue damage, wound care, dressing, referral when in-person care is required.
  • Oncological surgery: diagnosis review, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up.
  • Obesity treatment and weight management: a medical approach to weight loss, including assessment of underlying causes, evaluation of comorbidities, development of a personalised plan (nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy if needed), and ongoing progress monitoring.
  • Imaging interpretation: analysis of ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray results, surgical planning based on imaging data.
  • Second opinions and medical navigation: clarifying diagnoses, reviewing current treatment plans, helping patients choose the best course of action.

Experience and qualifications:

  • 12+ years of clinical experience in university hospitals in Germany and Spain.
  • International education: Ukraine – Germany – Spain.
  • Member of the German Society of Surgeons (BDC).
  • Certified in radiological diagnostics and robotic surgery.
  • Active participant in international medical conferences and research.

Dr Yakovenko explains complex topics in a clear, accessible way. He works collaboratively with patients to analyse health issues and make evidence-based decisions. His approach is grounded in clinical excellence, scientific accuracy, and respect for each individual.

If you are unsure about a diagnosis, preparing for surgery, or want to discuss your test results – Dr Yakovenko will help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence.

5.0 (41)
Doctor

Anna Biriukova

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr Anna Biriukova is an internal medicine doctor with clinical experience in cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. She provides online consultations for adults, offering expert medical support for heart health, hormonal balance, digestive issues, and general internal medicine.

Cardiology – Diagnosis and treatment of:

  • High blood pressure, blood pressure fluctuations, and cardiovascular risk prevention.
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, arrhythmias (tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations).
  • Leg swelling, chronic fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance.
  • EKG interpretation, lipid profile evaluation, cardiovascular risk assessment (heart attack, stroke).
  • Post-COVID-19 cardiac monitoring and care.
Endocrinology – Diabetes, thyroid, metabolism:
  • Diagnosis and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes.
  • Individual treatment plans including oral medications and insulin therapy.
  • GLP-1 therapy– modern pharmacological treatment for weight management and diabetes control, including drug selection, monitoring, and safety follow-up.
  • Thyroid disorders – hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid diseases (Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease).
  • Metabolic syndrome – obesity, lipid disorders, insulin resistance.
Gastroenterology – Digestive health:
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
  • Stomach and intestinal conditions: gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion.
  • Management of chronic digestive disorders and interpretation of tests (endoscopy, ultrasound, labs).
General internal medicine and preventive care:
  • Respiratory infections – cough, colds, bronchitis.
  • Lab test analysis, therapy adjustments, medication management.
  • Adult vaccinations – planning, contraindications assessment.
  • Cancer prevention – screening strategies and risk assessment.
  • Holistic approach – symptom relief, complication prevention, and quality of life improvement.
Dr Biriukova combines internal medicine with specialist insight, offering clear explanations, personalised treatment plans, and comprehensive care tailored to each patient.
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