Can You Get Hepatitis B or C from Drinking Contaminated Beverages?

Hepatitis transmission issues?

Hello, doctor: If I have a small ulcer in my mouth and I accidentally drink a small sip of a beverage that has been consumed by someone with hepatitis B or C, is there a risk of being infected with hepatitis B or C?

Ms. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/07/24

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

The chances are slim, but please remain cautious.
Many young people in our country have already received the hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis C is relatively less contagious and is unlikely to be transmitted through beverages.

Reply Date: 2019/07/24

More Info

When it comes to the transmission of Hepatitis B and C through contaminated beverages, the risk is generally considered to be very low. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are primarily transmitted through blood and certain bodily fluids, rather than through casual contact or consumption of food and beverages.
To address your specific question about drinking from a glass that has been used by someone with Hepatitis B or C, even if you have a small ulcer in your mouth, the likelihood of contracting either virus in this manner is minimal. Hepatitis B is known to be more infectious than Hepatitis C, but both viruses require specific conditions for transmission.
1. Hepatitis B Transmission: HBV is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, including blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. It is not typically spread through saliva, which means that drinking from a cup used by an infected person is unlikely to result in transmission. The presence of a mouth ulcer may increase the risk slightly, but the overall risk remains very low. Additionally, if you have been vaccinated against Hepatitis B, you are protected from the virus.

2. Hepatitis C Transmission: HCV is less contagious than HBV and is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact. The virus is not transmitted through saliva, so drinking from a glass that has been used by someone with Hepatitis C is not a recognized mode of transmission. Even with an open sore, the risk of contracting Hepatitis C in this manner is extremely low.

In the context of your concern about drinking from a contaminated beverage, it is important to note that both viruses require a significant amount of the virus to be present in a way that allows for transmission. The casual sharing of drinks does not typically meet this criterion.
Furthermore, if you have been tested and found to be negative for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and positive for Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), it indicates that you are either vaccinated or have cleared a past infection, which provides you with immunity against Hepatitis B. This means that you are not at risk of contracting Hepatitis B from drinking after someone who is infected.

In summary, while it is always wise to be cautious about hygiene and sharing drinks, the risk of contracting Hepatitis B or C from drinking from a glass used by an infected person is very low. If you have ongoing concerns about your health or potential exposure, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and testing if necessary. Regular check-ups and maintaining good health practices are key to managing your overall well-being.

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