How does hepatitis B spread?

Transmission can occur during sex, from a pregnant person to a baby around birth, or when blood from an infected person enters a cut, wound, eyes, mouth, or bloodstream. Shared needles, razors, toothbrushes, or equipment that breaks the skin can carry blood. Unsterile tattooing, piercing, or medical equipment can also create an exposure risk.

Hepatitis B is not spread by ordinary social contact such as hugging, sharing food, coughing, or sitting beside someone. A person can have no symptoms and still pass the virus, so appearance is not a reliable guide.

Ask about hepatitis B vaccination and use condoms or other barrier protection until a clinician explains your status and your partner’s protection. Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or nail tools. Cover cuts and clean blood spills safely. Tell healthcare, dental, tattoo, and piercing professionals about a known infection so suitable infection-control measures are used.

Contact a healthcare service quickly after a needlestick, sexual exposure, or blood contact, especially if you are unvaccinated or unsure of your protection. Ask about urgent preventive care. Seek assessment for yellow eyes, dark urine, vomiting, or unusual fatigue; these symptoms can have other causes but should not be ignored.

Ask which tests you need, whether close contacts should be tested or vaccinated, whether a recent exposure needs hepatitis B immune globulin, and how long to use extra precautions.