Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood and bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal fluid. Therefore, you may be exposed to the hepatitis B virus through unprotected sex (without a condom), or through sharing needles for drug injection, or through acupuncture, body piercing and tattooing, if proper sterility and hygiene practices are not followed.
How is hepatitis B spread?
Hepatitis B may also be transferred from a mother to baby during birth or in the time after birth.
In less common cases, hepatitis B may also be spread by contact with personal items such as contaminated razors and toothbrushes.
Due to screening of blood products and organs for transplant, contracting hepatitis B through a blood transfusion or organ transplant is not likely in Australia.
Sources & Citations
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis B Questions and Answers for the Public. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm (Accessed 07 December 2021).
5. Better Health Channel. Hepatitis B. Available at: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hepatitis-b (accessed 07 December 2021).
MAT-AU-2102484 Date of preparation January 2022
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