Hepatitis B can spread relatively easily through contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who has the virus, especially in certain high risk situations.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Despite the widespread availability of vaccines, HBV remains a significant public health concern, particularly in areas with high prevalence of HBV and among populations who have a high risk of contracting it.

The virus is most commonly transmitted through contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who has the virus. This type of transmission can occur during childbirth, through sexual contact, or as a result of sharing needles.

Understanding how hepatitis B spreads is vital in preventing its transmission and managing its impact on public health.

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be transmitted through several methods:

  • Vertical transmission: from a birthing parent to their child during childbirth
  • Horizontal transmission: through sexual contact or nonsexual close contact with someone who has HBV, such as living in the same household, or through exposure to the blood or body fluids of someone who has HBV, such as when sharing needles or getting a tattoo with unsterilized equipment
  • Sexual transmission: through sexual contact with someone who has HBV, without using a condom or another barrier method

According to a 2022 research review, non-sexually transmitted HBV can occur at higher rates in people who have household contact with a person who has chronic hepatitis B.

How is Hep B most commonly transmitted?

The most common routes of hepatitis B transmission are:

  • from a birthing parent to a child during childbirth
  • through contact with the blood or other body fluids of someone who has HBV
  • during sex with a partner who has HBV

HBV can remain infectious outside someone’s body for up to a week. The incubation period can be anywhere from 30 to 180 days, and the virus will be detectable within 30 to 60 days after you contract the virus.

Chronic hepatitis B is significantly more common in cases of transmission during infancy or early childhood, affecting about 95% of those who contract the virus at this age.

To prevent the spread of hepatitis B, it’s important to:

  • Get vaccinated: The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection.
  • Use a barrier during sex: Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexual transmission.
  • Avoid sharing needles: Don’t share needles or other injection equipment.
  • Use sterile equipment: Ensure that all tattooing, piercing, and medical equipment is sterile.
  • Get tested: If you have an increased risk of contracting the virus, such as if you’re a healthcare worker or if you have multiple sexual partners, get tested regularly.
  • Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with blood or bodily fluids.
  • Seek treatment: If you’ve contracted HBV, seek treatment to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

While most babies in the United States receive the hepatitis B vaccine as part of routine childhood immunizations, vaccination rates can vary. Some babies may not receive the vaccine for various reasons, such as parental choice or lack of access to healthcare.

Can your body fight off hep B on its own?

In some cases, your body can fight off hepatitis B without treatment. This is more likely to happen in adults than in infants or young children.

If your immune system successfully clears the virus from your body, you’ll become immune to hepatitis B and be protected from future infection. But if the virus persists in your body for longer than 6 months, it’s considered chronic hepatitis B, which may require treatment to prevent liver damage.

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Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who has the virus. For this reason, it’s important to take preventive steps such as using condoms or another barrier method during sexual activity, avoiding sharing needles, and ensuring that medical instruments are properly sterilized.

The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and is recommended for all infants and anyone who has an increased risk of contracting the virus. If you aren’t sure whether you’ve received the hepatitis B vaccine, talk with your doctor about your options.

Proper prevention strategies and timely medical care can significantly reduce the impact of hepatitis B. If you experience symptoms of hepatitis B, such as jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.