Hepatitis B vs. Hepatitis C: What's the Difference?
From Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka (Yaba), Lagos
Hello Friend! Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are both viruses that attack the liver, and people often confuse them. They share some features — but there are key differences that affect prevention and treatment.
What They Have in Common
- Both infect the liver and can cause long-term damage
- Both can be silent for years
- Both can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer if untreated
- Both spread mainly through blood and body fluids
The Key Differences
Vaccine: There is a safe, effective vaccine for hepatitis B. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Cure: Hepatitis C can now be cured in most people with a short course of modern antiviral tablets. Chronic hepatitis B usually cannot be fully cleared, but it can be well controlled with long-term treatment.
Transmission emphasis: Hepatitis B passes easily from mother to baby and through sexual contact, while hepatitis C spreads most often through blood-to-blood contact such as shared needles or unsterile equipment.
What This Means for You
The single best move against hepatitis B is to get vaccinated — something not yet possible for hepatitis C. For both, avoiding shared sharps and getting tested are important. If you are unsure of your status, a simple screening test gives clarity.
At Mascot Healthcare in Akoka (Yaba) you can get hepatitis screening and the Hepatitis B vaccine. Learn more in our complete vaccine guide.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lawal Taiye (MBBS, Ibadan) — Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka, Lagos.