If I have chronic hepatitis B infection, can I hug my children, partner or friend?
Yes, you can and should hug your loved ones! Hepatitis B is not spread casually, and it cannot be spread through hugging.
Actually, hugging has many health benefits like reducing stress and fear, boosting heart health, and reducing pain, to name a few. You can find more information about the health benefits of hugging here.
In many parts of the world, where hepatitis B is common, hepatitis B infection is most often transmitted from a mother who is living with hepatitis B to her newborn baby due to blood exchanged during the delivery process. Hepatitis B is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood and infected sexual fluids. This can occur through sharing sharp instruments such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, earrings or body jewelry, since small amounts of blood can be exchanged through these items. Hepatitis B may also be transmitted during unprotected sex with an infected partner, sharing needles, unsterilized medical or dental equipment. Also, body piercing and tattooing are potential sources of infection if unsterile needles or contaminated ink are used. The good news is that completion of the hepatitis B vaccination series provides lifelong protection against a hepatitis B infection in anyone who has not already been infected. Please visit our webpage to learn more about hepatitis B transmission, and how to protect your loved ones with the hepatitis B vaccine.
Find more Frequently Asked Questions here.
Page updated 12/27/2022