Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It can be an acute, short-term illness or a chronic, long-lasting condition. Millions globally live with chronic hepatitis B, which can cause serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Understanding how this virus spreads and identifying at-risk populations is important for prevention.
How Hepatitis B Spreads
Hepatitis B transmits through contact with infected bodily fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Direct blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or syringes, is a common route. Unsterile medical or dental procedures and accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings also pose a risk.
Sexual contact with an infected individual is another frequent mode of transmission, including unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The virus can also pass from an infected mother to her baby during birth and delivery.
Sharing personal items that may have traces of blood, like razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers, can facilitate HBV spread. The virus can remain viable and infectious on inanimate objects for at least seven days, even without visible blood. However, hepatitis B is not transmitted through casual contact such as coughing, sneezing, hugging, or sharing food.
Groups With Increased Risk
Certain groups face a higher likelihood of exposure to the hepatitis B virus due to specific activities, occupations, or living situations. These include:
- People who inject drugs and share needles or other drug preparation equipment.
- Healthcare and public safety workers regularly exposed to blood or other bodily fluids.
- Infants born to mothers with HBV infection.
- Sexual partners of individuals with HBV and those with multiple partners.
- Individuals living in the same household as someone with chronic HBV infection.
- People traveling to or born in regions where hepatitis B is widespread, such as parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.
- Individuals undergoing hemodialysis and those with certain medical conditions like hepatitis C or HIV.
Minimizing Your Risk
Protecting oneself from hepatitis B infection involves several measures. Vaccination is a highly effective way to prevent HBV, offering nearly 100% protection and long-lasting immunity. The vaccine is widely available and recommended for all infants, children, and adults, particularly those with identified risk factors.
Practicing safer sex, including the consistent and correct use of condoms during sexual activity, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Avoiding the sharing of needles, syringes, and other drug injection equipment is also important. Furthermore, it is important to refrain from sharing personal hygiene items like razors, toothbrushes, and nail clippers, which may carry traces of blood.
Ensuring that any procedures involving skin penetration, such as tattooing, body piercing, or acupuncture, are performed using new, sterile needles and equipment in professional settings helps prevent infection. Similarly, medical and dental procedures should always adhere to strict sterilization protocols to minimize the risk of HBV transmission.