Transmission

How can I get hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B can be transmitted from one person to another by blood-to-blood contact or through sexual fluids. Babies can also get it from their mother, if she has hepatitis B, through contact with her blood during childbirth.

Common ways of getting hepatitis B are:

• Sharing tattooing or piercing equipment

• Medical procedures with non-sterile equipment

• Having vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom

• Sharing injecting equipment

• Sharing toothbrushes, razors or nail files

• Cuts or sores that are not covered

You cannot get hepatitis B by:

• Casual contact (hugging, kissing or shaking hands)

• Sneezing or coughing

• Sharing food, drinks and utensils

• Eating food made by someone with hepatitis B

• Sharing bathrooms, showers or toilets

• Insect or animal bites (including mosquitos)