Hepatitis B virus is transmitted when blood from a person with the hepatitis B virus enters the bloodstream of a person with no hepatitis B immunity. It is also transmitted via the semen or vaginal fluid of an infected person. The hepatitis B virus can survive outside the body for at least seven days. During this time, the virus can still cause infection if it enters the body of a person who is not protected by the vaccine.
Hepatitis B is spread:
- from mother to child at birth or in early childhood from family members and other close contacts
- through sharing drug injecting equipment
- through vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom/dental dam
- through unsterile tattooing or piercing
Hepatitis B may also spread via:
- Blood-to-blood contact through open wounds
- Needle stick injuries
- Sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, razor blades or nail clippers
- Blood transfusions/products not screened for hepatitis B
- Unsterilised medical, tattooing, or other piercing equipment
You cannot get hepatitis B from:
- Hugging, kissing,
- tears or sneezes
- Sharing cups, plates, clothes, food, drinks, showers or toilets
- Eating food prepared by a person with hepatitis B
- Mosquito bites
Disclosure
In South Australia, you don't have to tell anyone you have hepatitis B unless you are
- a member of, or applying to join, the Australian Defence Force,
- a healthcare worker undertaking exposure-prone procedures
- donating blood, organs or tissues
- asked when applying for life or health insurance
- asked when participating in combat sports such as mixed martial arts
