Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through contact with infected blood and body fluids such as semen and vaginal fluids. The common ways to get hepatitis B include:
- Direct contact with infected blood, such as through sharing needles or syringes.
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
- From an infected pregnant person to their newborn during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Use of contaminated or unsterilized medical or dental equipment.
- Activities involving blood-to-blood contact like tattooing, piercing, and sharing sharp instruments such as razors or toothbrushes.
Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact like sneezing, coughing, hugging, or sharing food. The virus can survive outside the body for at least 7 days, making it possible to get infected through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects like needles or razors. Therefore, hepatitis B transmission mainly occurs via exposure to infected blood or sexual fluids, mother-to-child transmission at birth, and unsafe medical or personal practices involving blood contact.
