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Why is hepatitis B contagious?

Jan 01, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, hepatitis B refers to hepatitis B virus infection, a contagious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. Transmission of hepatitis B may be associated with factors such as contact through broken skin, unprotected sexual activity, injection drug use, contaminated medical instruments, and mother-to-child transmission. If a patient is accidentally infected with hepatitis B virus, prompt medical treatment is necessary.

In general, hepatitis B refers to hepatitis B virus infection, a contagious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. Transmission of hepatitis B may be associated with factors such as contact through broken skin, unprotected sexual activity, injection drug use, contaminated medical instruments, and mother-to-child transmission. If a person is accidentally infected with hepatitis B virus, they should seek medical attention promptly, identify the cause, and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Contact via broken skin

If a person directly touches wounds, damaged skin, or mucous membranes of someone infected with hepatitis B, they may come into contact with body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus, which could lead to transmission.

2. Unprotected sexual activity

Vaginal secretions and semen from individuals infected with hepatitis B contain high levels of the virus. If a person's sexual partner is infected with hepatitis B, or if there is prolonged unprotected sexual activity, transmission of hepatitis B may occur.

3. Injection drug use

During intravenous drug injection, sharing needles leads to blood exchange between individuals. If a person uses a syringe contaminated with the hepatitis B virus, this can result in hepatitis B transmission.

4. Transmission via medical instruments

Some unregulated medical facilities may fail to fully sterilize medical instruments. If these instruments carry the hepatitis B virus, they may transmit the infection.

5. Mother-to-child transmission

If a fetus swallows maternal blood, amniotic fluid, or vaginal secretions containing the hepatitis B virus, or if the virus passes through the placenta into the fetal bloodstream due to uterine contractions during delivery, hepatitis B transmission may occur.

It is recommended that individuals take proper preventive measures in daily life and avoid unprotected sexual activity to reduce the risk of hepatitis B transmission.


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