Hepatitis B is caught by exposure to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. Common ways to catch 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 mother to her newborn during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Using contaminated needles or equipment for tattoos, piercings, acupuncture, or medical/dental procedures if not properly sterilized.
- Sharing personal items that may have blood on them, such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or body jewelry.
Hepatitis B virus is not transmitted casually and cannot be spread through hugging, coughing, sneezing, sharing food or drinks, or casual contact. It can survive outside the body for at least 7 days, making contaminated objects a risk if they have blood or fluids from an infected person. The risk of chronic infection is higher especially when infected at a young age such as infancy or early childhood.
