Most are not aware of it. Most get it through sex. Hepatitis B is a virus which attacks the liver. There are other types of Hepatitis which can produce similar illness, but Hepatitis B is the most common amongst gay men and can have serious long-term effects. It poses a very real threat to your life.
Many people have no symptoms at all, some acquire mild flu-like illnesses.
Others feel very tired and physically sick, and some experience jaundice. Unfortunately, once you've caught Hepatitis B there is no treatment that's guaranteed to work- all doctors can usually do is tell you to rest and to avoid alcohol. Most sufferers manage to get rid of the virus within 6 months or so, however many become carriers and some die. Vaccinations Vaccination against Hep. B works in most cases.