Hepatitis B: Prevention and risks
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Transmission
The Hepatitis B virus is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the virus (including semen and vaginal fluids). It can be transmitted through:
- sharing equipment for preparing and consuming drugs (such as pipes, straws, spoons, needles, syringes, and cookers)
- sharing unsterilized materials or equipment used for tattooing and body piercings
- blood transfusions in countries where blood or blood products are not adequately/routinely screened for hepatitis B
- unsterilized medical/dental equipment
- frequent interpersonal contact of non-intact skin or mucous membranes with blood-containing secretions, open skin lesions, or blood-containing saliva (like in close contact between household members). Transmission from sharing personal care items, such as toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers, also may occur.
- passing from a pregnant parent to the baby during pregnancy or birth
- condomless sex with a person with the hepatitis B virus, especially if it involves contact with blood, such as in the presence of:
- menstrual blood
- open sores, cuts or wounds
- semen, rectal mucus, or vaginal fluid containing blood
- rough sex and other activities with a chance of blood-to-blood contact
A person with the hepatitis B virus who has no symptoms or signs of hepatitis B can pass the virus to another person. Most people who develop chronic hepatitis B can transmit it to other people for the rest of their lives.
Preventing Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is preventable through immunization. Ask your health care provider to check if you are protected against hepatitis B (either through vaccination or previous infection). Consider getting the vaccine if you are not protected.
To help prevent getting or passing the virus:
- talk to your partner(s) about safer sex and being tested for sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI)
- learn about safer sex methods and practice them, such as correctly and consistently using a condom during vaginal, anal and oral sex
- use lubricant when engaging in anal sex and rough sex. Only use silicone or water-based lubricants with latex condoms to prevent the condom from breaking. Consult the package labels for information on how to safely use condoms and lubricant.
- use new and sterile drug use equipment each time you use, and do not share (give or receive) used equipment for preparing and injecting, smoking or snorting drugs
- use new and sterile medical equipment and devices for each person (e.g., glucose lancets and insulin needles)
- assure household members have received the hepatitis B vaccine
- only get tattoos and piercings in professional settings that follow regulations and standards and are inspected and approved by local public health departments
- avoid contact with objects that may have come in contact with blood or bodily fluids that contain hepatitis B virus (e.g., razors, bandages, nail clippers, toothbrushes, dental floss, needles, etc.).
Travel-related considerations
Hepatitis B occurs worldwide.
Your likelihood of being exposed to the hepatitis B virus while travelling depends on several factors:
- the destination
- length of visit
- what you do when travelling
- whether you have direct contact with blood.
Be aware of your likelihood for hepatitis B and other travel-related illnesses when planning travel. Your likelihood for hepatitis B infection may be higher in certain destinations, as some areas have higher numbers of people with chronic hepatitis B. Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic before you travel. You can protect yourself by getting the hepatitis B vaccine before your departure. You can find information on travel health recommendations by country at travel.gc.ca.