Hepatitis B Transmission Risks After Exposure - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Hepatitis B Transmission Risks After Exposure

Hello： 1. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through food. 2. Even if one is infected with Hepatitis B, there will be an incubation period, and surface antibodies will not appear that quickly. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Department of Gast

Hepatitis B

Last Monday, I accidentally drank from a beverage that my friend, who has hepatitis B, had consumed during our meal.
The next day, Tuesday, I went to the hospital for a blood test.
Yesterday, I received the report showing that the hepatitis B surface antigen is negative and the hepatitis B surface antibody is reactive.
Does this mean that I was not infected with hepatitis B during the gathering with my friend last Monday?

cca, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/06/13

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: 1.
Hepatitis B is not transmitted through food.
2.
Even if one is infected with Hepatitis B, there will be an incubation period, and surface antibodies will not appear that quickly.
Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2014/06/13

More Info

Based on your situation, it appears that you have a good understanding of the transmission risks associated with Hepatitis B. The results of your blood tests indicate that you are negative for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and reactive for Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). This is a significant finding.

To clarify, the presence of HBsAg in the blood indicates an active Hepatitis B infection, while the presence of anti-HBs indicates that you have either recovered from a past infection or have been vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Since your HBsAg is negative and your anti-HBs is reactive, it suggests that you are immune to Hepatitis B, either due to vaccination or a previous infection that you may not have been aware of.

Regarding your concern about the potential transmission of Hepatitis B from your friend during your meal, it is important to note that Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, not through casual contact or sharing food and drinks. The virus can be present in saliva, but the risk of transmission through sharing drinks is extremely low. Therefore, your risk of contracting Hepatitis B from this incident is minimal, especially given your current immune status.

In summary, your test results indicate that you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B and that you have immunity against it. This means that you are not at risk of developing an infection from your friend, assuming that your immune status remains unchanged. However, it is always wise to continue monitoring your health and to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any further concerns or if you experience any symptoms related to liver health.

In the context of Hepatitis B, it is also important to understand the implications of being a carrier or having a chronic infection. Individuals who are carriers of Hepatitis B (those who test positive for HBsAg) can transmit the virus to others, particularly through sexual contact or sharing needles. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Hepatitis B infection, and it is recommended for individuals at risk or those who may be exposed to the virus.

If you have any further questions or concerns about Hepatitis B, its transmission, or your health in general, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

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