Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It SpreadsRiskPreventionTestingVaccinationSymptomsWhen to Seek Medical CareFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Spreads
Risk
Prevention
Testing
Vaccination
Symptoms
When to Seek Medical Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic. “Acute” means a sudden onset that occurs within six months of exposure. Some people recover from an acute infection on their own or through treatment. When the infection stays after treatment, it becomes a chronic (lifelong) condition.
This article reviews how hepatitis B spreads, the risk of getting it from an infected husband or intimate partner, prevention, testing, symptoms, and when to see your healthcare provider.
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Hepatitis B StatisticsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that HBV affects up to 1.2 million people in the United States. Over 60% of those infected do not know they have the virus. New HBV infections are highest among adults aged 30 to 59.
Hepatitis B Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that HBV affects up to 1.2 million people in the United States. Over 60% of those infected do not know they have the virus. New HBV infections are highest among adults aged 30 to 59.
Cases of Mysterious Hepatitis Identified in American Kids
How Does Hepatitis B Spread?
Hepatitis B is transmitted when bodily fluids from an infected person enter the body of a noninfected person. The most common body fluids that transmit HBV are:
The Difference Between Spreading Hepatitis A and BHBV is sometimes mistaken for hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food or water rather than body fluids.
The Difference Between Spreading Hepatitis A and B
HBV is sometimes mistaken for hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food or water rather than body fluids.
How Hepatitis Is Transmitted
While transmission through kissing is not likely, this is controversial in the scientific and medical communities.This is because “deep kissing” with the exchange of a lot of saliva in someone with a cut or sore in their mouth could theoretically transmit HBV.
Most Common Risk Factors of Hepatitis BAs of 2018 the most common risk factor for contracting HBV was from sharing drug injection equipment. The next most common risk factor was having multiple sexually intimate partners.
Most Common Risk Factors of Hepatitis B
As of 2018 the most common risk factor for contracting HBV was from sharing drug injection equipment. The next most common risk factor was having multiple sexually intimate partners.
What Is the Risk of Getting Hepatitis B From an Infected Partner?
HBV is about 50 to 100 times more contagious than the humanimmunodeficiencyvirus (HIV).Living with or having sex with someone who has HBV dramatically increases your risk. If your spouse, intimate partner, or someone who lives in your house tests positive for HBV, you should get tested as well.
The risk significantly decreases with vaccination and is the best way to keep yourself healthy.
Preventing the Spread of Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from HBV. It is safe and 98% to 100% effective.
Who Should Get Tested for Hepatitis B?
Over half of those infected with HBV don’t have symptoms. The best way to know if you have HBV is to get a blood test. These tests can detect HBV years before symptoms develop. Having this information is important because early treatment can prevent liver damage.
The CDC recommends HBV screening for all adults at least once in their lifetime. Periodic HBV testing is also recommended for the following populations:
What to Do If Your Spouse or Intimate Partner Has Hepatitis BIf your spouse or intimate partner has hepatitis B, the following steps can help keep you from getting the infection:Use barrier devices during sexual intercourse and oral sex.Get tested for HBV.Contact your healthcare provider if you need the HBV vaccination or are unsure if you’ve had it.Avoid sharing a toothbrush, razor, needles, syringes, or blood sugar testing equipment.
What to Do If Your Spouse or Intimate Partner Has Hepatitis B
If your spouse or intimate partner has hepatitis B, the following steps can help keep you from getting the infection:Use barrier devices during sexual intercourse and oral sex.Get tested for HBV.Contact your healthcare provider if you need the HBV vaccination or are unsure if you’ve had it.Avoid sharing a toothbrush, razor, needles, syringes, or blood sugar testing equipment.
If your spouse or intimate partner has hepatitis B, the following steps can help keep you from getting the infection:
Who Should Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis B?
The following populations should receive the three-doseHBV vaccination:
While the vaccine is not necessarily recommended for adults over age 60 if they don’t have an increased risk of HBV, they can still receive it if desired.
If you are unvaccinated and think you may have been exposed to HBV, contact the health department or your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Many people with HBV do not havesymptoms. This is especially true for children under five and people with serious health concerns who are immunocompromised. Symptoms of HBV include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Seeking immediate medical attention within 24 hours of exposure to HBV allows you to receive early treatment, reducing your infection risk. See your healthcare provider if you:
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention QuicklyIf you’ve been exposed to HBV, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Getting medical attention quickly allows you to get tested and receive treatment early, reducing your infection risk.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention Quickly
If you’ve been exposed to HBV, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Getting medical attention quickly allows you to get tested and receive treatment early, reducing your infection risk.
Summary
Those who have sexual contact with someone infected with HBV should get tested immediately. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is through the vaccine.
To prevent hepatitis B, use barrier devices such as condoms or dental dams during sexual intercourse and oral sex. Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, needles, syringes, or medical equipment involving blood exposure (like blood glucose monitoring equipment).
A Word From Verywell
There sometimes is stigma and fear associated with hepatitis B. However, understanding the risk and prevention strategies is key to avoiding infection between partners. If your intimate partner or spouse has HBV, talk with your healthcare provider or the health department. Early testing and vaccination can help keep you healthy while building your life together.
If someone has acute (sudden and short-lived) HBV, they are no longer contagious after recovery. Those with chronic (long-lasting) HBV can be contagious indefinitely. Chronic HBV usually occurs when the person becomes infected as an infant or child.
Yes. However, while transmission through kissing is unlikely, it is possible. This is especially true when deep kissing someone with mouth cuts or sores.HBV vaccination significantly decreases this risk.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B basics.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Hepatitis B basic information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of Hepatitis B.
Trépo C, Chan H, Lok A.Hepatitis b virus infection.Lancet. 2014;384(9959):2053-63. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60220-8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B prevention and control.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B surveillance guidance.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breastfeeding: Hepatitis B or C infections.
World Health Organization.Hepatitis: How can I protect myself from hepatitis B?
World Health Organization.Hepatitis B.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B Foundation.I am diagnosed with chronic hepatitis b, can I get married and have children?
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