Ways of transmitting hepatitis

When you first find out that you have hepatitis, some of the first questions that come to mind are: How and where could I have gotten infected? How should I live now and interact with my loved ones so as not to infect them? Let’s try to figure this out. Let’s find out how contagious hepatitis is, how you might have become infected, and how much of a risk you pose to those around you.

The hepatitis B virus is highly contagious. This is due to the enormous number of hepatitis B viral particles contained in 1 ml of blood. Additionally, the hepatitis B virus can survive on surfaces (such as personal items) for several days.

The hepatitis B virus is present in the blood and bodily fluids of an infected person. Infection occurs when their blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions come into contact with the blood or broken skin and mucous membranes of another person.

Here are the circumstances under which this happens:

• Intravenous drugs
  This is one of the most common causes. Up to 75% of people who use drugs, or have used them in the past, are infected with hepatitis B. Sometimes a single injection is enough. The risk of infection increases with repeated use of intravenous drugs. The tip of a needle can hold about 1,000,000 viral particles; even when attempting to clean the needle with special solutions, it is unlikely that all of them can be completely removed.

There have been reported cases of hepatitis B infection from snorting cocaine. The blood vessels in the nasal mucosa are damaged when the drug is inhaled, especially with chronic use, so this route of transmission is also possible.

• Sexual contact
  People who do not use barrier contraception, have multiple sexual partners, or engage in homosexual sexual contact are at greater risk. Using condoms reduces the risk of infection, but this may not be sufficient. It is necessary for the sexual partner to be vaccinated.
• Transmission of the virus to a child during childbirth
  The risk of infection for the child occurs during childbirth, when contact between the mother’s and the child’s blood may occur. In the first hours of life, the child is given a vaccine that protects them from infection.

The hepatitis B virus may be present in the breast milk of a breastfeeding mother; however, the baby’s digestive juices and enzymes prevent infection. Additionally, the baby will already have been vaccinated. Thus, a woman with hepatitis B can breastfeed a vaccinated baby.

• Traveling and living in countries with a high prevalence of hepatitis B
  There are some countries where hepatitis B is particularly widespread. These include South Africa, the Amazon region, much of Asia, the Middle East, the northern regions of Eastern and Central Europe, and India. In these countries, there is often no national vaccination program for hepatitis B. Most residents of these countries become infected with the hepatitis B virus at birth or in early childhood.
• Blood Transfusions and Blood Components
  Mandatory screening of donors for hepatitis B has been in place for quite some time, but the risk of infection during blood transfusions and the administration of blood components still exists. This also applies to patients with hemophilia, as they may require blood plasma transfusions.
• Tattoos and piercings These procedures involve skin damage and often minor bleeding. The risk of infection arises when non-sterile instruments are used.
• Close living arrangements
  This refers to close living arrangements among people sharing a small space, such as within a family, a dormitory, or a prison. Although the risk in this case is much lower than with sexual contact, it still exists. It is important to avoid sharing sharp or cutting objects: nail scissors, razors, and toothbrushes. All people living in close domestic contact with individuals infected with hepatitis are advised to get vaccinated.