Chapter 3: Data Sheet
How is it Spread?:
HBV is spread through direct contact with infected blood and body fluids (ie. semen). Since blood levels of HBV are high in infected persons - much higher than HIV -, it is easy to transmit.
Sexual contact:
The virus can be transmitted through having unprotected sex with an infected person. This will happen when semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, or blood, enter the body.
Sharing needles:
HBV is easily transmitted through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing intravenous (IV) drug paraphernalia puts you at high risk of hepatitis B due to exposure to blood and unsanitary conditions.
Accidental needle sticks:
Through contact with infected human blood.
Mother to child:
Infected pregnant women can pass on the virus during childbirth. However, newborns can be vaccinated to prevent transmission.
Unlike other viruses (ie. rhinovirus), you cannot be infected by the Hepatitis B Virus through being around infected persons who may sneeze or cough, or having casual contact (ie. shaking hands) with them. Kissing or being breastfed by an infected person will also not caused the virus to be transmitted unless they are open sores or cuts. Transmission through the sharing of food or water is also not possible.
Where:
HBV is common worldwide:
Sub-saharan Africa and East Asia - most prevalent (between 5–10% of the adult population is chronically infected)
Eastern Europe
Central and Southeast Asia
Western Europe and North America (Less than 1% of the population chronically infected)
Who:
People at greatest risk for HBV infection are:
injection drug users
people who have multiple sex partners
men who have sex with men
infants born to infected mothers
health workers
Children under 6 years of age are most at risk for chronic infection of the hepatitis b virus.
In the U.S., hepatitis B is most common in people ages 25 to 44.
Approximately 350 million people worldwide are infected with HBV.
