My husband has hepatitis B: can I get it?

The virus can be present in blood and certain body fluids. Transmission can occur through sex, shared needles or equipment, or contact with infected blood through an open cut or mucous membrane. It is not spread by ordinary household contact such as hugging, sharing meals, or sitting together.

A person may have hepatitis B without obvious symptoms. Fatigue or dark urine can occur, but symptoms cannot show whether someone is infected or whether the liver is being affected. Testing is the reliable way to clarify your status.

Arrange a hepatitis B blood test and ask whether you need the vaccination. Until a clinician confirms protection, use condoms and do not share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or anything that may have blood on it. Cover cuts, clean blood spills with appropriate precautions, and do not donate blood.

Tell the clinic about any recent unprotected sexual contact or blood exposure. Time-sensitive preventive treatment may be considered after some exposures. Your husband should follow his clinician’s advice and avoid sharing personal items that can carry blood.

Contact a healthcare service promptly after a recent sexual or blood exposure, particularly if you are unvaccinated or unsure of your vaccination history. Seek urgent care for yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe vomiting, confusion, marked drowsiness, or significant abdominal swelling. Do not wait for symptoms before arranging testing.

Am I already protected by vaccination? Which hepatitis B tests do I need, and when should they be repeated? Should my husband have liver monitoring? What precautions are needed for sex and household blood exposure?