How is hepatitis B transmitted?

The article is professionally consulted by Master. Doctor Nguyen Thi Nhat - Doctor of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Hepatitis B is a global disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The disease can have an acute or chronic course and eventually lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. However, not everyone knows how contagious the hepatitis B virus is? Transmission routes? How disease prevention? This is a very important issue and deserves attention, let's find out more!

The hepatitis B virus can survive outside the body for at least 7 days. During this time, the virus can still cause infection if it enters the body of a person who is not protected by the vaccine. The average incubation period for the hepatitis B virus is 75 days, but can vary from 30 to 180 days. The virus can be detected within 30 to 60 days of infection and can persist and develop into hepatitis B.
The hepatitis B virus is highly contagious. 100 times more infectious than HIV.

Mother-to-child transmission: Most occurs during the perinatal period or the first months after birth, does not transmit through the placenta, this is the most common and important way of infection. The degree of infection depends on the hepatitis B virus (HBV DNA) level and the mother's HBeAg status in the third trimester of pregnancy. If the mother has high HBV levels and HBeAg (+), the more likely it is to pass it on to the baby. Specifically, if the mother has HBeAg (+), the newborn has a 95% risk of infection if not receiving immunoprophylaxis. The mother has HBeAg (-), the rate of infection to the baby is 32%. The rate of transmission to the infant increases from 0% if the mother's HBVDNA is less than 10 5copies/ml to 50% if the mother's HBVDNA is between 10 9-10 10copies/ml. Hepatitis B virus is present in breast milk at very low concentrations, so it is transmitted mainly by nursing infants biting the mother's breast, causing scratches. Blood: Blood has a high level of HBV, so if our skin or mucous membranes are scratched and come into contact with the blood of an infected person, the risk of infection will be very high. HBV is also found in vaginal fluids, semen, milk, saliva, sweat, urine, feces, and bile, but in very low concentrations, so when the skin or mucous membranes are damaged, they come into contact with the virus. This virus can also be infected with HBV. Sex: When you have unprotected sex (shared sex equipment if you don't wash or use a condom) with someone who has hepatitis B. You will also be more likely to get HBV because the virus is present in the secretions of an infected person and enters your body through small scratches and moves into the bloodstream to cause HBV infection. Sexual transmission is particularly common among unvaccinated men who have sex with multiple partners or have contact with prostitutes. Needle and syringe reuse: Virus transmission can also occur through the reuse of needles and syringes in a healthcare setting or between people who inject drugs. Contaminated blood: Hepatitis B virus infection occurs during medical, surgical and dental procedures, through tattoos or through the use of razors and similar objects contaminated with infected blood.

Hepatitis B vaccination is the mainstay of hepatitis B prevention. WHO recommends that the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine be given as soon as possible within the first 24 hours after birth and subsequent doses. at 2, 3 and 4 months. Hepatitis B vaccination produces protective antibodies in more than 95% of infants, children, and young adults. Protection is highly effective, lasting for at least 20 years and possibly for life if the post-vaccination antiretroviral antibody levels are > 1000 IU/L.
Who should be vaccinated: All people who do not have antibodies against hepatitis B bacteria (Anti - HBs), should get the hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible, especially those who live in countries with HBV prevalence is high, including Vietnam. Prioritize immunization for the following:
People who regularly need blood transfusions or blood products, hemodialysis patients, organ transplant recipients. People living in prisons. People who inject drugs. Family and sexual contacts of people with chronic HBV infection. People who have many sexual partners. Healthcare workers and others may be exposed to blood and blood products through their work. Travelers who have not completed their course of hepatitis B vaccine who should be vaccinated prior to travel to areas with high HBV prevalence.

In conclusion, Hepatitis B is a very serious liver infection and has the potential to cause cirrhosis or life-threatening liver cancer. This is a global health problem. We should proactively protect our liver by getting vaccinated now, especially before pregnancy. It will not be difficult to find a reputable address like Vinmec International General Hospital to vaccinate, but it will be difficult to treat if you carry the hepatitis B virus.