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How does hepatitis B spread?

How the structures involved in Hepatitis B differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Hepatitis B differ from normal

Short answer

Hepatitis B spreads when infected blood or certain body fluids enter another person's bloodstream or mucous membranes.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Spreads through
Infected blood and selected body fluids
Does not spread through
Hugging, sharing food, or casual contact
Useful prevention
Sterile equipment and vaccination

Routes of transmission

Recognised routes include sex with an infected partner, sharing needles or injection equipment, and transmission from parent to baby around birth. Blood-contaminated tattoo or piercing tools and unsterile medical equipment can also transmit infection. Sharing a home, shaking hands, hugging, coughing, or eating together does not spread hepatitis B. A person can carry the virus without feeling unwell; read about [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/).

Reduce the chance of transmission

Use new sterile equipment for injections, tattoos, and piercings, and do not share razors or toothbrushes. Use barriers during sex until a clinician has assessed protection for both partners. Anyone with a possible exposure should seek advice quickly about testing and vaccination. Testing may be paired with a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/). [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/) helps prevent infection.

When to seek care

Contact a healthcare professional after contact with another person's blood, a needle injury, or unprotected sex with a person who may have hepatitis B. Seek assessment for [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/), nausea, yellow eyes, or [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/). Confusion or severe vomiting needs urgent medical attention.

Questions for your doctor

Ask about the timing of tests, vaccination for you or close contacts, temporary precautions, and whether your liver needs monitoring.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can hepatitis B spread through a shared meal?

No. Sharing food, cups, or ordinary household space is not a usual route of transmission.

What should follow a needle injury?

Wash the area and seek prompt medical advice for exposure assessment, testing, and possible prevention.

Related

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.