Preventing the spread of the
hepatitis B virus
What you can do to avoid infecting others with viral hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a type of viral hepatitis, which is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is spread from person to person through infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluid. Viral hepatitis B can be spread from an infected mother to her baby at birth. This is especially common in many parts of the world.
If you have viral hepatitis B, it's important to take steps to avoid spreading the virus to others. HBV is 50 to 100 times more contagious than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HBV is NOT spread through casual contact such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing a meal together.
If you have viral hepatitis B, you can help prevent the spread of HBV.
- Urge your family and anyone living in your house to go to their doctor. A simple blood test can show if they have been infected with viral hepatitis B. Those who are not infected should receive the hepatitis B vaccine.
- Avoid unprotected sex and ask your sex partner to be vaccinated.
- If someone you know is exposed to HBV, tell them to call their doctor right away. An injection of HBIG (hepatitis B immune globulin) and the HBV vaccine may help.
- Cover open wounds, cuts, and sores with a waterproof bandage.
- Clean any blood spills with a fresh solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). HBV can survive outside the body for at least one week. Make sure you use gloves.
- Throw away personal items such as tissues or menstrual pads in a zip-lock plastic bag.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after touching your own blood or body fluids.
- If you are pregnant, tell your doctor that you are infected. Infants born to HBV-infected mothers should be given HBIG and the HBV vaccine preferably within 12 hours of birth.
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you have viral hepatitis B.
If you have viral hepatitis B, remember:
- DO NOT pre-chew food for babies.
- DO NOT donate blood, plasma, body organs, tissue, or sperm.
- DO NOT share syringes, needles, cotton, spoons, or other equipment for drug use.
- DO NOT share personal care items such as toothbrushes, razors, pierced earrings, or nail clippers.