Hepatitis B can pass from one person to another via blood and body fluids with the infection. In some cases, it may be present in saliva.

Hepatitis B is a liver disease resulting from infection with the hepatitis B virus, also known as HBV. When blood, semen, and other body fluids that carry the virus enter a person’s body, infection can occur. Vaccination can prevent HBV infection.

In this article, learn more about how HBV spreads between people and how individuals can protect themselves.

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Hepatitis B is unlikely to spread through saliva. However, this can be possible if the saliva contains blood and the person at risk has an open wound or a break in the skin where the blood can exchange.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, it is not possible to pass on HBV through:

  • kissing
  • sneezing
  • sharing utensils
  • coughing
  • hugging
  • breastfeeding
  • food
  • water

Typical kissing is unlikely to spread the virus unless there is blood in the affected person’s saliva and the individual at risk has an open wound in the mouth. The virus can also spread if both people have an open wound where kissing occurs and blood exchange can take place.

While it is unlikelyTrusted Source that spitting or biting a person can pass on the HBV virus, it is still possible when blood exchange occurs.

Can other hepatitis types spread through saliva?

Other types of hepatitis are hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis C (HCV).

It is not possible to transmit HAV through saliva. Infection can result from fecal-oral transmission, for instance, if a person consumes food or water contaminated with feces.

It is not possible to transmit HCV through saliva. A person can transmitTrusted Source HCV:

  • through a transfusion of unscreened blood or other blood products
  • through the reuse or inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, such as syringes
  • during sex with someone who has HCV
  • from a pregnant individual to a newborn during childbirth
  • when sharing equipment for injecting drugs

It is not possible to transmit HCV through hugging, kissing, breastfeeding, or sharing food and drinks.

If a person believes they have received exposure to hepatitis B in saliva, it is a good idea to request a test.

A negative result will put the individual’s mind at ease. If the result is positive, the person will be able to access any help and advice they need.

At-home HBV tests are also available.

HVB can also passTrusted Source from a person with the virus to another individual through:

Transmission can occur:

  • during anal, vaginal, or oral sex without a condom
  • with needlestick injuries or when sharing needles
  • in tattooing and piercing
  • from pregnant person to their newborn during delivery
  • during transfusions or surgery, particularly in places with inadequate infection control
  • through person-to-person contact within a household

It is worth noting that around 1 in 2 people with HBVTrusted Source do not know they have the virus. Some may never develop or notice any symptoms, but they can pass it on to another person.

The main way someone can protect themselves from HBV is through vaccination.

The CDCTrusted Source recommends the HBV vaccine for:

  • all infants
  • anyone under 19 years old who has not already had the vaccine
  • adults ages 19 to 59 years old
  • anyone ages 60 years old or over with risk factors such as sharing needles for medical or other purposes

Can you get hepatitis B from saliva?

It is possible to pass on hepatitis B through saliva, especially if there are traces of blood in the saliva or if the virus is highly active at the time.

Is hepatitis A contagious through saliva?

It is not possible to pass on hepatitis A through saliva.

Can hepatitis B spread through mucus?

A person can pass onTrusted Source hepatitis B through contact between mucous membranes. Mucus is not the same as mucous membranes. Mucus, or nasal secretions, are unlikely to contain the hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a potentially serious liver disease that can result from infection with the hepatitis B virus. Ways of passing on the virus include contact between mucus membranes and semen, vaginal fluids, or blood that contains HBV.

Transmission through saliva is possible, especially if infection levels are high or there are traces of blood in the saliva.