While there may not be a cure for hepatitis B, there is a vaccine available that can prevent others from being infected. You may spread the infection to your loved ones if you do not take the proper steps to protect those around you. These steps include:

• Make sure that all household members and sex partners get tested for and vaccinated against hepatitis B.
• Practice safe sex (if used correctly, condoms can reduce the risk of infection).
• Do not share needles or personal items, such as shaving razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or washcloths, with others.
• Do not donate blood, body organs, tissue or sperm.
• If you are pregnant, make sure your baby gets the hepatitis B vaccine. Without the vaccine, there is a high risk of passing the virus on to your baby during childbirth.

Remember, hepatitis B is NOT transmitted casually and cannot be spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging, food or water. Consider talking to your loved ones to make sure this is understood and help prevent any misunderstanding that may arise.

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