What should you know about hepatitis B virus transmission?

Transmission can occur through sex, from a pregnant person to a baby during birth, or through blood exposure such as shared needles or unsterile equipment. Sharing razors or toothbrushes can also matter if blood is present. The virus is not spread by ordinary social contact such as hugging, sharing food, coughing, or sitting beside someone.

A person can carry hepatitis B without feeling unwell. Fatigue or dark urine may occur with hepatitis B, but symptoms do not reliably show whether someone can transmit the virus. Hepatitis B testing is the way to clarify infection and immunity.

Use condoms or other barrier protection until a clinician confirms that both partners are protected. Never share needles, injection equipment, razors, or toothbrushes. Choose reputable providers that use sterile equipment for tattoos, piercings, and medical procedures. Cover cuts, clean blood spills safely, and arrange testing for household or sexual contacts.

Hepatitis B Vaccination is a key prevention option. If a recent blood or sexual exposure may have occurred, seek medical advice quickly because preventive care can depend on timing and vaccination history.

Seek prompt medical advice after a needlestick, shared-injection equipment, unprotected sex with a person who may have hepatitis B, or blood contact with broken skin or eyes. Also arrange assessment for yellow eyes, dark urine, persistent vomiting, or severe weakness. A clinician can decide which tests and preventive steps are appropriate.

Ask whether you need hepatitis B testing, Hepatitis B Vaccination, or post-exposure care. Ask how to protect a partner or newborn, whether a Liver Function Test is appropriate, and which household items should remain personal. If you have a positive result, ask how and when close contacts should be assessed.