How hepatitis B is most commonly transmitted

Transmission can occur when infected blood or certain body fluids enter another person's body through sex, childbirth, a needle or equipment carrying blood, or an unprotected cut. A person may have no symptoms and still pass the virus. See [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/) for the broader condition.

Hepatitis B is not spread through ordinary contact such as hugging, coughing, sharing meals or sitting beside someone. [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) and [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) can occur with liver illness but cannot identify how infection happened.

Use sterile equipment for injections, tattoos and piercings, and do not share needles, razors or toothbrushes. Cover open wounds and clean blood spills with appropriate protection. Use condoms until a partner's protection is confirmed. Household and sexual contacts should ask about testing and [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/). A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) assesses liver health but does not identify every transmission event.

Contact a clinician promptly after a needle injury, blood contact with broken skin, unprotected sex or possible exposure during birth. Preventive care may be time-sensitive. Seek urgent help for yellow eyes, severe abdominal pain, confusion, collapse or difficulty staying awake.

Ask: Was my exposure significant? Do I need testing, vaccination or other prevention? Should my partner or household contacts be checked? When should tests be repeated?