How is hepatitis B transmitted?

Transmission can happen through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex; sharing needles or other injection equipment; unsterile tattooing or piercing equipment; a needlestick; or contact between infected blood and broken skin. A pregnant person can pass the virus to a baby around birth, so antenatal care should include hepatitis B discussion.

The virus is not spread by ordinary social contact such as handshakes, hugs, sharing cooked food, or using the same toilet. A person may have no symptoms. When illness develops, possible clues include jaundice, dark urine, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or fatigue.

Vaccination is a key preventive measure. Do not share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or equipment that may carry blood; cover wounds; and use barrier protection during sex until a clinician confirms appropriate protection. Ask for sterile equipment for tattoos, piercings, and medical procedures.

After a possible exposure, contact a healthcare service promptly for testing and prevention advice. Testing may include hepatitis B blood markers and a liver function test. If you have the infection, tell sexual and household contacts so they can receive confidential advice.

Seek prompt advice after a needlestick, shared injection equipment, unprotected sex with a person who may carry hepatitis B, or blood contact with broken skin. Get urgent help for confusion, unusual bleeding, severe vomiting, or rapidly worsening yellow skin or eyes. Early assessment can guide time-sensitive preventive care.

Ask whether your vaccination record shows protection, which tests are suitable, whether partners or household members need screening, and what precautions to use while results are pending. If pregnancy is possible or planned, ask how to reduce transmission to the baby.