Can hepatitis B carriers transmit the virus to others?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Hepatitis B usually refers to chronic hepatitis B. Generally, individuals with chronic hepatitis B are contagious. In daily life, it is important to avoid sharing personal items that may come into contact with blood or bodily fluids, such as toothbrushes, razors, and syringes, with individuals who carry the virus. When undergoing invasive medical procedures, choose reputable healthcare facilities to ensure complete sterilization of instruments.

Hepatitis B usually refers to chronic hepatitis B. Generally, individuals with chronic hepatitis B can transmit the virus to others. The specific transmission routes are as follows:

Individuals with chronic hepatitis B carry the hepatitis B virus, which can be transmitted through blood, such as sharing syringes contaminated with the virus, receiving blood transfusions containing the virus, or using medical instruments that have not been adequately disinfected. It also can spread through bodily fluids, including saliva, sweat, semen, and vaginal secretions. For example, unprotected intimate contact with a carrier or sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors may expose one to infectious bodily fluids. Additionally, if a pregnant woman is a carrier, she may transmit the virus to her newborn during childbirth, although this transmission risk can be significantly reduced through appropriate preventive measures.

In daily life, it is important to avoid sharing personal items with individuals who have chronic hepatitis B—such as toothbrushes, razors, syringes—that may come into contact with blood or bodily fluids. When undergoing invasive medical procedures, choose reputable medical facilities to ensure complete sterilization of instruments. People who lack protective antibodies against hepatitis B can reduce their infection risk by receiving the appropriate vaccinations.

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What should you eat if you have mild hepatitis B (small three positives)?

In general, patients with "small three positives" (chronic hepatitis B with positive HBsAg, anti-HBe, and HBV DNA) should support liver health through diet while using medication to control the condition. Recommended foods typically include eggs, broccoli, sea bass, spinach, and oats. Commonly used medications include entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, silybin capsules, compound glycyrrhizin tablets, and hepatoprotective tablets.

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How is infantile急疹 (roseola) caused?

Infantile急疹 (Infantile急疹 is likely a placeholder for a specific medical term, which should be reviewed for accuracy) may be caused by factors such as incomplete immune system development, decreased resistance due to cold exposure, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection, human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) infection, or contact with virus carriers. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Daily care should include attention to the infant's personal hygiene, frequent handwashing, regular clothing changes, and maintaining good indoor ventilation.