Transmission routes of the hepatitis B virus
Disease description:
Recently diagnosed with hepatitis B, I'm very worried about transmitting it to my family. Could you please tell me the transmission routes of the hepatitis B virus?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The main transmission routes of the hepatitis B virus are as follows:
1. Bloodborne transmission is the most common and primary method. For example, blood transfusions may carry the hepatitis B virus if the blood has not been rigorously tested and processed. Additionally, sharing injection needles that have not been thoroughly sterilized, or undergoing procedures such as tattooing or ear piercing with unclean instruments, may allow the virus an opportunity to enter the body and cause infection.
2. Mother-to-child vertical transmission. A pregnant woman carrying the hepatitis B virus may transmit the virus to her newborn during childbirth. During pregnancy, the virus may also pass through the placenta and infect the fetus. However, timely vaccination and administration of immune globulin to the newborn can effectively reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
3. Sexual contact transmission. The semen and vaginal secretions of individuals with hepatitis B or those carrying the virus may contain the virus, which can be transmitted to their partner during sexual activity.
4. Close personal contact in daily life also carries some risk. For example, sharing personal hygiene items such as razors or toothbrushes poses a relatively low transmission risk, but it still warrants attention.
Vaccination against hepatitis B is one of the most effective methods for preventing the disease.
