World Hepatitis Day 2026: Why LGBTQ+ Men need to know about Hepatitis B

Tuesday July 28 is World Hepatitis Day. With vaccination recommended for gay, bisexual and trans men. Sexual Health and HIV Specialist Doctor Jay Peterson-Camp explains to Gaydio why the virus often goes undiagnosed for years.

Tuesday July 28 is World Hepatitis Day, raising awareness of a virus that particularly affects gay and bisexual men. Vaccination is recommended for gay and bi men and their partners, as well as trans people and people whose partners are trans, according to sexual health experts.

Speaking to Gaydio, Dr Jay Peterson-Camp from Homerton Sexual Health Service in East London explained why so many people living with hepatitis B don't know they have it. The problem is that hepatitis B is one of the more common blood-borne viruses, but "lots of people who have hepatitis B don't have any symptoms or might not have any symptoms for a considerable period of time."

He pointed out that while testing happens in antenatal clinics and sexual health clinics, this still only captures a small minority of the population. A&E departments across the UK have started testing for hepatitis B and picked up 646 new diagnoses in the first year, with the programme now expanding to 47 more sites.

The testing works the same way as HIV testing in A&E, Dr Peterson-Camp explained. Blood tests in A&E are now routinely tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C as an opt-out service.

When symptoms do appear, they can include feeling very sick and fluey, pain in the upper abdomen, and jaundice, the yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. But Dr Peterson-Camp stressed that "it's much better if it's diagnosed before people have symptoms," adding that younger people are less likely to have severe symptoms when first infected.

The good news is that hepatitis B can be treated. Dr Peterson-Camp said some of the same medications used for PrEP or treating HIV also work for hepatitis B.

Not everyone needs medication straight away. Some people's immune systems keep the virus so inactive that treatment isn't necessary, and some people clear the virus naturally.

The vaccine usually involves a course of three or four injections and is available free through sexual health clinics. Anyone getting vaccinated will also be tested for hepatitis B as part of the process.

Dr Peterson-Camp said it's another good reason to visit sexual health clinics, where eligible people will be offered vaccination and testing together.