How Hepatitis B Is Transmitted
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Introduction
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According to the Hepatitis B Foundation, more than 2 billion people throughout the world have been infected with the hepatitis B virus. Of those, 12 million live in the United States. One million of the 2 billion infected will die each year because of hepatitis-related complications. Hepatitis is a virus that attacks the liver. Once your liver function has been compromised, your body is no longer able to filter out the toxins that you're exposed to each day. The transmission of the hepatitis B virus can happen in four main ways.
Blood
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Hepatitis B can easily be transmitted through contact with an infected individual's blood. However, the infected blood must make contact with an open access point, such as a cut or wound. The virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, especially in countries that without strict screening regulations on blood donors and blood donations.
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Sexual Fluids
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The most common form of transmission for the hepatitis B virus is through sexual contact. The virus can be transmitted through oral, anal or vaginal sex and is most commonly transmitted by semen during ejaculation. However, vaginal fluids may also cause infection if a female's partner has a cut on or around the penis. Condoms are the best way to prevent the transmission of the virus during sex.
Needles
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Needle sharing or the use of unclean needles during intravenous drug use is also a common way the hepatitis B virus is transmitted. When a needle is extracted from a user's arm, blood left on the needle can contain the virus. The virus is then injected with the drugs into the next person's body by reusing the dirty needle.
Mother to Baby
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Hepatitis B may also be transmitted from mother to baby. This occurs during the delivery process where the baby can be exposed to the mother's infected blood while exiting the womb. Cesarean sections can help lower the risk of transmission for mothers.
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Resources
- Photo Credit cs.nyu.edu
