How could I get hepatitis B?

The hepatitis B virus is transmitted primarily through blood and other body fluids, the major form of transmission being sexual contact. In general, hepatitis B is transmitted in the same ways as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virus, except that hepatitis B is two hundred fifty times more contagious and can be transmitted in saliva. So, condoms do not provide the same level of protection for hepatitis B as they do for HIV. Even minimal contact with a hepatitis B carrier can cause infection.

You could get hepatitis B through contact with an infected person's blood, semen, or other body fluids.

You could get hepatitis B from the following:

    * Being born to a mother with hepatitis B.
    * Having sex with an infected person.
    * Being tattooed or pierced with unsterilized tools that were used on an infected person.
    * Getting accidentally pricked by a needle that was used on an infected person.
    * Using an infected person's razor or toothbrush.
    * Sharing drug needles with an infected person.

This answer is based on source infromtaion from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.