How hepatitis B is contracted

Transmission can occur through sex without barrier protection, sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs, or using unsterile equipment for tattooing, piercing, or medical procedures. An infected parent can pass the virus to a baby around birth. Blood entering broken skin or the eyes, or sharing items that may carry blood such as razors or toothbrushes, can also create exposure. The virus is not spread by ordinary social contact such as hugging, sharing food, coughing, or sitting beside someone. Some people have no symptoms; others may develop fatigue, nausea, yellowing of the skin, or dark urine. Symptoms cannot confirm or exclude infection.

Ask a clinician about hepatitis B vaccination if you may be exposed or do not know your status. Use condoms or other barrier protection with new or untested partners, and never share needles, syringes, razors, toothbrushes, or drug equipment. Choose regulated providers that use sterile, single-use equipment for tattoos and piercings. If blood or body fluid contacts your eyes, mouth, or broken skin, wash the area and seek urgent medical advice because time-sensitive preventive treatment may be considered. Do not donate blood until a clinician has assessed a possible infection.

Arrange testing after a possible blood or sexual exposure, during pregnancy, or if a household or sexual contact has hepatitis B. Seek prompt advice for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, or confusion. A clinician may use blood tests, including liver function testing, to assess infection and liver effects. Do not wait for symptoms if an exposure has occurred.

Could I have had a meaningful exposure? Which tests should I take and when? Am I protected by vaccination? Does a partner or household contact need testing, vaccination, or follow-up?