The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads through an infected person's blood and bodily fluids. These transmission routes include:
How is Hepatitis B Transmitted?
The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes.
1. Transmission Through Blood
- Contact with Infected Blood: The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person's blood. Even a small amount of blood is sufficient for transmission.
- Injection Equipment: Sharing needles (e.g., among drug users) is a significant source of transmission.
- Medical Equipment: The use of non-sterile needles and other medical equipment increases the risk.
2. During Birth
- Mother-to-Child Transmission: A mother with Hepatitis B infection can transmit the virus to her baby during childbirth. This is referred to as "perinatal transmission."
- Prevention: Transmission can be prevented by administering the Hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin to the baby immediately after birth.
3. Sexual Transmission
- Unprotected Sexual Contact: Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person can lead to transmission of the virus.
- High-Risk Groups: Individuals with multiple sexual partners and those susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases are at higher risk.
4. Sharing Personal Items
- Items Contaminated with Blood or Body Fluids: Transmission can occur when sharing razors, toothbrushes, or manicure sets.
5. Other Routes
- Medical Procedures: The use of non-sterile materials during dental or surgical procedures can lead to transmission of the virus.
Non-Transmissible Situations
Hepatitis B is not transmitted through the following means:
- Handshakes, hugs, kisses
- Sharing food from the same plate
- Water, air, or mosquito bites
