Unfortunately, hepatitis B often has a stigma attached to it because it can be contracted through socially unaccepted behavior, such as injecting illegal drugs or engaging in unprotected sex.

However, many people do not realize that, most of the time, a person infected with hepatitis B is an innocent victim who has encountered the virus through:

• Birth, when his or her mother who was infected with hepatitis B passed the virus on.
• A transfusion with blood that has not been screened for the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
• Direct contact with blood from an open wound.
• Sharing contaminated toothbrushes or razors.
• Improperly cleaned tattooing needles.
• Improperly cleaned medical or dental tools.

It is important to note that most people who are infected with hepatitis B have no symptoms, yet they can still transmit the disease and are at risk of developing liver cancer.

Many misconceptions exist about hepatitis B, especially regarding the way in which it spreads. Hepatitis B cannot be transmitted by:

• Food or water (however, hepatitis A can be transmitted in this manner).
• Casual contact, such as hugging, shaking hands or kissing.
• Sneezing or coughing.
• Breastfeeding.

How do I know if I have hepatitis B?

A person may be infected with hepatitis B without even knowing it; that is one of the real dangers of the disease. Routine blood tests—such as those your doctor may order during a yearly health check-up—cannot detect the virus. As a patient, you must take the initiative to ask your doctor to order an HBVsAg, or hepatitis B surface antigen test.

Remember: Early detection of hepatitis B will not only benefit you, but it will help to prevent you from accidentally spreading it to your children, parents, siblings, friends, co-workers and other people you come in contact with. Having hepatitis B is no disgrace, but passing it on to others is a careless act that must be avoided.

If you don’t already have hepatitis B, you can prevent the virus from invading your body with a hepatitis B vaccine.  If you do have hepatitis, there are a number of effective treatment options. The most important step is to get tested as soon as possible. Do not wait until you feel sick to get tested.

Learn how you can get the potentially lifesaving hepatitis B test.