What should you know about hepatitis B source of infection?

The virus can enter through a cut, a puncture, or mucous membranes. Transmission may occur from a pregnant person to a baby during birth, through sexual contact, or when needles and other equipment contaminated with blood are shared. Unsterile tattooing, piercing, or medical equipment can also create an exposure risk. A person may have no symptoms while carrying the virus, so appearance alone cannot show whether someone is infected. Learn more about [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/).

Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or equipment that may have blood on it. Cover open cuts and clean blood spills safely. If exposure has happened recently, contact a clinician promptly because testing and preventive treatment may be time-sensitive. A clinician may arrange a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) alongside hepatitis testing. Ask whether [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/) is suitable for you.

Seek medical advice after a needle-stick, blood contact with broken skin, unprotected sexual exposure, or possible exposure during pregnancy. Arrange assessment if you develop yellowing of the eyes, [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/), nausea, or marked [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/). Urgent care is appropriate for confusion, severe vomiting, or rapidly worsening illness.

Ask which tests are needed, whether vaccination or post-exposure protection is appropriate, how to protect household and sexual contacts, and whether liver monitoring is needed.