What is a major risk associated with Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver, and one significant risk associated with it is its ability to survive outside of the body for extended periods, specifically for days. This resilience allows it to be transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids. This survival capability emphasizes the importance of preventive measures to avoid exposure, especially in environments where blood exposure might occur, such as healthcare settings or among individuals who share needles.

While vaccines are available for Hepatitis B and provide a means of prevention, they do not treat the infection itself once established. The misconception that the virus is rarely transmitted is countered by the reality that it can be easily spread through various routes beyond sexual contact, including perinatal transmission and through sharing personal items that have been in contact with infected bodily fluids. Understanding these transmission dynamics is crucial in assessing the risks associated with Hepatitis B.