UPMC Liver Cancer Center

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Preventing Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is spread through contact with body fluids of an infected person.

Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, consisting of three injections over six-months. Protection is not complete without all three injections.

Anyone at increased risk for hepatitis B should be vaccinated.

In addition, to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B:

• Use condoms or abstain from sex.
• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Do not inject drugs. If you use IV drugs, get treatment to help you stop. Never share needles or syringes.
• Do not share personal items that might have blood on them, such as:
  • razors
  • toothbrushes
  • manicuring tools
  • pierced earrings

If you get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure the artist or piercer properly sterilizes the equipment. You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them.

Health care and public safety workers should:

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
• Always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharp instruments.
• Wear gloves when touching or cleaning up body fluids on personal items, such as:
  • bandages
  • tampons
  • linens
• Cover open cuts or wounds.
• Use only sterilized needles for drug injections, blood testing, ear piercing, and tattooing.

If you have hepatitis B

If you have chronic hepatitis B, you can prevent the spread of your infection by:

• Telling your doctors, dentist, and sexual partner(s) that you have hepatitis B.
• Never donating blood, organs, or tissue.
• Discussing your hepatitis B status with your doctor during pregnancy, or before becoming pregnant, to ensure that your baby receives treatment.