Patient's question:
I have a boyfriend, but I don't know if he's healthy. I only heard him mention once that he has hepatitis while we were fooling around. Now I'm very worried about getting hepatitis from kissing him.Doctor's answer:
Generally, it is highly unlikely to contract hepatitis B primarily through blood, semen, or vaginal secretions when the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person have open wounds. Of course, sexual activity can lead to transmission. The best way to prevent it is to get the hepatitis B vaccine. Before antibodies develop, it's best to use condoms. Sexual activity is generally not a way to get infected. However, if both partners have oral ulcers, there is a risk of transmission during sexual activity or when sharing eating utensils or personal hygiene items. In daily life, it is highly unlikely to contract hepatitis B.