Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood and body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva. Common modes of transmission include:
- Sexual contact without protection with an infected person
- Sharing needles or syringes, especially in illicit drug use
- From an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth
- Use of contaminated or unsterile medical, dental, or tattooing equipment
- Sharing sharp instruments like razors or nail clippers
Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact such as sneezing, coughing, hugging, or sharing food. It can survive outside the body for at least 7 days, making indirect transmission through contaminated objects possible in some cases.
