Can hepatitis B and hepatitis C be transmitted through indirect contact?

Oct 18, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Haiying

Introduction

In general, hepatitis B refers to chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and hepatitis C refers to hepatitis C virus infection. Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C are not transmitted through indirect contact. Chronic hepatitis B is defined as a positive test for hepatitis B virus that persists for more than six months, or when the onset date is unclear but clinical manifestations of chronic hepatitis are present.

In general, hepatitis B refers to chronic viral hepatitis B, and hepatitis C refers to chronic viral hepatitis C. Indirect contact does not transmit chronic viral hepatitis B or hepatitis C. The specific analysis is as follows:

Chronic viral hepatitis B is defined by a positive test for hepatitis B virus that persists for more than six months, or by an unclear onset date accompanied by clinical signs of chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. Both types of hepatitis are primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact and from mother to child during childbirth. Casual indirect contact in daily life, such as shaking hands or hugging, typically does not lead to infection. Furthermore, healthy adults with normal immune systems can usually clear small amounts of hepatitis B or C virus through natural immune responses, preventing immediate transmission.

It is recommended that individuals take proper personal protective measures in daily life and avoid sharing personal items with others to prevent cross-infection. If any symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is advised.

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Which is more serious: hepatitis B or hypertension?

In general, the severity of hepatitis B and hypertension cannot be generalized, and must be assessed based on individual conditions, complications, treatment response, and other factors. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Regular health check-ups are important in daily life for early detection and early intervention. Patients with hepatitis B should follow medical advice to monitor liver function and viral load, and avoid liver-damaging behaviors such as alcohol consumption and staying up late.

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Can hepatitis B surface antigen disappear?

In general, the hepatitis B surface antigen may disappear, but it does not vanish in all cases. The likelihood and speed of its disappearance are closely related to the type of infection, the patient's immune status, and whether standardized treatment is received. For both acute and chronic infections, regular testing of hepatitis B viral markers is necessary to confirm whether the hepatitis B surface antigen has disappeared.

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Can the interval between hepatitis B vaccine doses be shortened?

Under normal circumstances, the interval between hepatitis B vaccine doses should not be shortened arbitrarily and must strictly follow the national recommended standard schedule. In special cases, any adjustment should only be made after evaluation by a physician, as shortening the interval without guidance may compromise the immune response. The general population should receive hepatitis B vaccinations according to the standard recommended intervals. If vaccination is delayed due to special reasons, individuals should consult a doctor for appropriate adjustments and must not shorten the interval on their own.

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How many years does the hepatitis B vaccine provide protection?

In general, the protective effect of the hepatitis B vaccine typically lasts for 5 to 10 years. In some individuals, antibody levels remain high after vaccination, allowing protection to extend beyond 10 years. The exact duration should be determined based on individual antibody levels. It is recommended to regularly test for antibodies and decide whether a booster dose is needed according to the results. In daily life, it is important to avoid contact with blood, bodily fluids, and other potential sources of infection from individuals with hepatitis B.

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Can hepatitis B virus cause fetal malformations?

The hepatitis B virus itself usually does not directly cause fetal malformations; its primary risk is transmitting the virus to the fetus. To reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission, pregnant women who are hepatitis B surface antigen positive should receive antiviral interventions under medical guidance, including appropriate use of antiviral medications during pregnancy and timely administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine to the newborn after birth.

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Are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) positive results infectious?

HBsAg negative, anti-HBs positive, HBeAg negative, anti-HBe negative, and anti-HBc positive (i.e., positive for the second and fifth markers) usually indicates no infectivity. This result suggests a past hepatitis B virus infection that has resolved, with development of immunity against hepatitis B. Individuals with positivity only for the second and fifth markers do not need to worry about transmitting the virus and require no special treatment. It is recommended to periodically check the titer of hepatitis B surface antibody; if the titer drops below the protective level, appropriate measures such as booster vaccination may be considered.

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Can chronic hepatitis B progress to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer?

In general, whether chronic hepatitis B will progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer depends on a comprehensive assessment of factors such as disease control, treatment adherence, and lifestyle. It is important to initiate standardized treatment promptly after diagnosis, without arbitrarily adjusting medication doses or discontinuing treatment. Regular follow-up examinations should be maintained to monitor liver function, viral load, and changes in liver imaging.

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Can hepatitis B be transmitted through sweat?

Under normal circumstances, sweat cannot transmit hepatitis B, and there is currently no scientific evidence that the hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through sweat. Therefore, there is no need to worry about contracting hepatitis B through sweat; everyday contact such as handshakes or sharing office supplies does not spread the hepatitis B virus. An effective way to prevent hepatitis B is vaccination. High-risk individuals should also avoid sharing needles.

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