Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with blood, sexual fluids, menstrual fluids and, rarely, saliva. The risk of hepatitis B transmission can be minimised by taking some simple precautions, including:
- Reducing opportunities of coming into contact with infected blood or other body fluids;
- Not sharing any injecting equipment – for further information on harm reduction and safer injecting practices please click here;
- Not sharing any personal toiletry items such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or other items able to puncture the skin;
- Cleaning and covering any abrasions, cuts or wounds with a waterproof dressing;
- Cleaning up blood spills as soon as possible using paper towels and soapy water or full strength bleach;
- Placing all bloodstained items (eg. used dressings, tampons or sanitary pads), into a plastic bag and placing them in a rubbish bin;
- Practicing safer sex (i.e. using condoms, dams and gloves and water-based lubricant). For more information please click here;
- Encouraging sexual partners and other household members to be vaccinated against hepatitis B;
- Not sharing any sex toys or equipment;
- Cleaning sex toys and equipment thoroughly.
Further information on transmission and prevention may be found under Hepatitis B in the About Hepatitis section of this website or contact HepatitisWA.
