Who Are the At-Risk Groups?

1. Healthcare Workers

• Healthcare personnel who frequently come into contact with blood and bodily fluids (doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians).
• They are at high risk of exposure during injections and surgical procedures.

2. Individuals Living in the Same Household as Infected Persons

• Individuals who share a home with family members who are Hepatitis B carriers.
• They are at risk of infection through shared personal items such as razors and toothbrushes.

3. Individuals Who Use Injectable Drugs

• Individuals who use non-sterile needles.
• Especially drug addicts who share injection equipment.

4. Hemodialysis Patients

• They carry a risk of infection due to the use of non-sterile equipment during dialysis.

5. Recipients of Blood Products

• Individuals who undergo frequent blood transfusions (e.g., thalassemia or hemophilia patients).
• Individuals who received blood transfusions in the past when screening tests were inadequate.

6. Individuals at Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections

• Individuals with multiple sexual partners.
• Individuals who engage in unprotected sexual intercourse with regard to sexually transmitted diseases.

7. Newborn Babies of Hepatitis B Carriers

• The virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to the baby during childbirth.
• This is called "perinatal transmission," and postnatal vaccination is critical to prevent it.

8. Migrants and Those Living in High-Risk Areas

• Individuals from regions where Hepatitis B infection is prevalent (e.g., immigrants from Asian and African countries).
• Communities with limited access to healthcare services.

9. Individuals Who Get Tattoos or Piercings

• Individuals who get tattoos or piercings using non-sterile equipment.

10. Individuals in Prisons and Rehabilitation Centers

• The risk of viral transmission is high due to unsanitary conditions in these environments.

11. Gay and Bisexual Men

• They are among the groups at risk of infection due to unprotected sexual intercourse.

Prevention and Recommendations

The following precautions are important for individuals at risk of Hepatitis B:

• Vaccination: The Hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective method of protection for high-risk groups.
• Use of Protective Equipment: Healthcare workers should regularly use gloves and other protective equipment.
• Hygiene and Sterilization: Not sharing personal items and using sterile equipment during medical procedures.
• Safe Sexual Practices: Use of condoms.

Educating high-risk groups and expanding vaccination programs are vital for public health in preventing Hepatitis B.