Can hepatitis A and hepatitis B be transmitted through saliva?
Oct 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, hepatitis A and hepatitis B refer to hepatitis A virus infection and chronic hepatitis B virus infection, respectively, both of which can be transmitted through saliva. Sharing eating utensils or kissing with individuals who have hepatitis A or chronic hepatitis B may lead to transmission of the virus via saliva. Therefore, patients are advised not to share eating utensils with others during the course of their illness.
In general, hepatitis A and hepatitis B refer to hepatitis A virus infection and chronic hepatitis B virus infection, respectively, both of which can be transmitted via saliva. The specific analysis is as follows:
Hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, primarily spreading through ingestion of contaminated water or food, or contact with infected individuals' blood or bodily fluids. Chronic hepatitis B, on the other hand, is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus, usually transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or sharing of injection equipment. If sharing eating utensils or kissing with individuals infected with hepatitis A or chronic hepatitis B, there is a risk of viral transmission through saliva. Therefore, patients are advised not to share eating utensils with others during the course of illness.
Patients with chronic hepatitis B should maintain good personal hygiene in daily life, bathe regularly, frequently change clothes, and adjust their diet appropriately. They should consume fresh fruits and vegetables and foods rich in high-quality protein, such as apples, kiwifruit, and eggs, to supplement essential nutrients and support recovery from the disease.
If patients experience any discomfort symptoms, they should promptly seek medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in treatment.
