Myths about hepatitis B transmission
The myth
Hepatitis B can be transmitted through casual contact such as kissing, handshakes or sharing of meals, water, bowls or utensils with someone living with hepatitis B.
The hepatitis B virus is a blood-borne virus. That means it can be passed from person to person through blood or bodily fluids such as, semen or vaginal fluids. Hepatitis B can only be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, blood to blood contact or from a mother who has hepatitis B to her child at birth.
The myth
It is not safe to breastfeed if you have Hepatitis B.
Breastfeeding is safe if you have hepatitis B; the virus cannot be transmitted to the baby through breast milk. If you have cracked or bleeding nipples there is a risk of hepatitis B transmission. If you are concerned, you can express your milk and discard it, and resume breastfeeding once your nipples have healed. However, if your baby has been vaccinated against hepatitis B, they are protected from the low risk of transmission.
The myth
Hepatitis B is a genetically transmitted disease.
Hepatitis B is not a genetically transmitted disease. It is a blood-borne virus which means it can only be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sexual contact, and mother to child during childbirth.
The myth
You can pass on hepatitis B to your pets.
Hepatitis B only infects humans and higher primates like chimpanzees.1 Your pet dog, cat, or bird will not get hepatitis B from humans with hepatitis B.
The myth
Shaking hands with a sweaty person can transmit hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B cannot be transmitted through sweat. It can only be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sexual contact, or mother to child during childbirth.
Myths about testing for hepatitis B
The myth
Patients from countries with high hepatitis B prevalence can wait until age 40 before getting tested.
Any person from a high-prevalence region of the world, including the Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, India and Africa, should be tested and vaccinated against hepatitis B, regardless of age.2 It may be worthwhile to discuss with a doctor about hepatitis B testing and vaccination.
The myth
Patients from countries with high hepatitis B prevalence can wait until age 40 before getting tested.
Any person from a high-prevalence region of the world, including the Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, India and Africa, should be tested and vaccinated against hepatitis B, regardless of age.2 It may be worthwhile to discuss with a doctor about hepatitis B testing and vaccination.
The myth
My doctor definitely would have told me if I had hepatitis B, or if I needed a test.
Hepatitis B is not a routine blood test. You should not assume you have been tested or that you don’t have the virus. Ask your doctor for a hepatitis B test to be sure.
Myths about hepatitis B treatment
The myth
There is no treatment available for chronic hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B is not curable, but it is manageable. Not everyone with chronic hepatitis B requires treatment because in some people the virus is present in small amounts. Regular monitoring and providing treatment when necessary can help stop the condition from progressing. However, it’s important that everyone with chronic hepatitis B has regular liver check-ups.
The myth
I was told I am a ‘healthy carrier’ for hepatitis B, so I don’t need to worry.
The term ‘healthy carrier’ is misleading and should not be used. In the past, the term healthy carrier was used to refer to people living with chronic hepatitis B who had no symptoms. The truth is that people living with hepatitis B might look healthy, and may feel well, but they still live with the virus. Anyone with hepatitis B should visit their doctor every 6-12 months for check-ups.
Myths about hepatitis B vaccination
The myth
Hepatitis B vaccine prevents liver cancer and enhances healing in people living with hepatitis B.
The hepatitis vaccine prevents infection from the hepatitis B virus which can lead to cancer. Viral hepatitis is just one of many factors that can contribute to the development of liver cancer so it’s possible to develop liver cancer from other causes. However, the vaccine is not effective for people who already have hepatitis B and will not change their health outcomes.
The myth
If you are vaccinated, you can still get hepatitis B.
In some cases, immunity from a hepatitis B vaccine may wear off over time. If you have been vaccinated and are at risk of exposure to the virus, ask your doctor about a blood test to determine if a booster shot is required.
For more information refer to the Immunisation Handbook.
The myth
I have the hepatitis B virus but vaccination will prevent me from contracting or spreading it.
The vaccine is not effective for people who already have hepatitis B. While vaccination is not necessary for you, your household contacts or partners should be vaccinated to prevent them from contacting hepatitis B.
Myths about living with hepatitis B
The myth
I have to disclose my hepatitis B status.
It is your right and personal decision to disclose whether you have hepatitis B. In Australia, most of the time you don’t legally have to. However, there are a few circumstances where you may be required to tell people.
The myth
I got hepatitis B. I was told I can’t get married or have kids.
There is no reason why you could not get married or have a family. However, it’s strongly recommended that those close to you are vaccinated. You should also discuss your hepatitis status with your doctor if you become pregnant, to prevent you transmitting it to your child.
The myth
Kids can get hepatitis B even though they have been vaccinated for it.
Babies and children require four vaccinations for complete protection. After the complete series of vaccines has been given to the child, the chances of getting hepatitis B is very low. No vaccine is 100% effective, but a simple blood test will determine the immunity status, and is required for children born to mothers living with chronic hepatitis B.
For More information refer to the Immunisation Handbook.
