Is hepatitis B a communicable disease?

Transmission can occur through sexual contact, sharing needles or other equipment that breaks the skin, contact with infected blood, or from a pregnant person to a baby around birth. It does not spread through ordinary social contact such as hugging, sharing a meal, or sitting beside someone.

A person with hepatitis B may have no symptoms and can still pass the virus on. When symptoms occur, they may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or dark urine. These symptoms do not identify the cause by themselves, so testing is needed when exposure is possible.

Use condoms or other barrier protection when advised, do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or equipment that may carry blood, and cover open cuts. Clean blood spills using appropriate precautions. Household and sexual contacts should ask a clinician about hepatitis B vaccination and testing.

If you have a diagnosis, tell relevant healthcare professionals and avoid donating blood. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice. A clinician may arrange blood tests and a liver function test to understand infection and liver health.

Seek prompt medical advice after a needlestick, unprotected sexual exposure, or contact with another person's blood, because preventive care may be time-sensitive. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, confusion, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the skin, or marked weakness.

Ask what type of exposure occurred, whether your contacts need vaccination or testing, when your blood tests should be repeated, and how to protect your liver while results are being clarified.