From:  An Information Sheet of the American Liver Foundation. © 2000

Who is at risk for hepatitis B?

People who are exposed to blood or body fluids of an infected person are at risk. You may also be at risk if you:

• are exposed to bodily secretions, including on the job - as first aid and emergency workers, firefighters, funeral directors, police personnel, dentists and dental assistants, and medical personnel;
• live in the same household with an infected person;
• have sex with a carrier or chronically infected person;
• inject illicit drugs;
• have more than one sex partner;
• received a blood transfusion prior to 1975 (when a test to screen blood was developed);
• have hemophilia;
• received multiple transfusions of blood or blood products;
• work or are a patient in a health care or long-term care facility;
• work or are incarcerated in a prison;
• are bitten so that the skin is broken by someone whose saliva contains the virus;
• travel to countries with a high incidence of hepatitis B; or
• are a hemodialysis patient.

It should be noted that certain ethnic or racial groups have a high rate of infection because they include immigrants from areas where hepatitis B is common, such as China, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.

How can I avoid becoming infected or infecting others?

• Get vaccinated (if you have not already been infected)
• Use condoms
• Wear gloves when touching or cleaning up body secretions on personal items, such as bandages/band aids, tampons and linens
• Cover all open cuts or wounds
• Do not share razors, toothbrushes, manicuring tools or pierced earrings with anyone
• Do not share chewing gum or pre-chew food for a baby
• Make certain that any needles for drugs, ear piercing or tattooing are properly sterilized
• Clean areas with blood on them with 1 part household bleach and 10 parts water

Hepatitis B is not spread by casual contact, such as:

• holding hands;
• kissing on the cheek or mouth;
• eating food prepared by a carrier;
• visiting an infected person;
• playing with a child who is a carrier; or
• sneezing or coughing.