Who Is At Risk For Infection?
Anyone can become infected with the hepatitis B virus. In many Asian countries, the highest numbers of hepatitis B cases are found in people aged 20-50 years, although in some places children also account for many of the cases.1
Since hepatitis B is transmitted from person to person through direct contact with blood and body fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids and saliva, there are a number of ways that a person can get infected. This means that certain groups of people are at risk for hepatitis B infection, including:
- Babies born to a mother who has hepatitis B. Pregnant women who have hepatitis B should ask their doctors about treatment and vaccinating their newborn babies to protect against infection
- People who have unprotected sex with someone who is infected.
- People who use illegal drugs and share needles or syringes.
- In some countries, people can also get the hepatitis B virus from visiting barbers who may not have clean razors.
- People who live in the same house as people who have the virus. If you are living with an infected person, you should be careful and not share personal items such as razors and toothbrushes.
- People who receive frequent blood transfusions for medical conditions such as haemophilia, although routine screening of donated blood has greatly reduced the risk.
- Individuals undergoing kidney dialysis.
- Medical professionals are also at risk for getting the hepatitis B virus and should follow proper procedures for protecting themselves.
