Hepatitis B can be transmitted through several main routes including contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, vaginal fluids, and semen. It is commonly spread from mother to child during birth (perinatal transmission), through unprotected sex with an infected partner, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, and exposure to infected blood via needlestick injuries, tattooing, or piercing. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated sharp objects or blood-to-blood contact. It is not spread through casual contact like hugging, coughing, or sharing food.
Key Transmission Modes
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.
- Sexual transmission through unprotected intercourse.
- Sharing needles or other injection equipment.
- Exposure to contaminated blood or body fluids (e.g., in medical, tattoo, or piercing settings).
- Blood-to-blood contact such as through cuts or needlestick injuries.
Not Transmission Modes
- Hepatitis B is not transmitted by casual contact such as hugging, sneezing, coughing, or sharing eating utensils.
This understanding highlights the importance of vaccination, safe sexual practices, sterile medical procedures, and avoiding sharing needles to prevent the spread of hepatitis B.
