Question: Can I get hepatitis B through casual contact such as coughing, sneezing, hugging or sharing food?

Answer: The virus is not transmitted casually. The most common ways hepatitis B is transmitted are through unprotected sex, injection drug use or from mother to child at birth.

Q: Is chronic hepatitis B genetic? Is there anything I can do to prevent infection?

A: The condition is NOT genetic and a vaccine is available that provides a proven method of preventing infection.

Q: Can I have hepatitis B even if I don't have any symptoms?

A: Many people are in fact infected even though they have no health symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to be tested.

Q: Can I get hepatitis B from unprotected sex?

A: Sexually active adults and teenagers are one of the highest risk groups for infection. A latex condom, if used properly, can reduce the risk of infection.

Q: Will the hepatitis A vaccine also protect me against hepatitis B and vice versa?

A: The hepatitis A vaccine only prevents hepatitis A, and the hepatitis B vaccine only prevents hepatitis B. However, a combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine is available for people aged 18 and older. (There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.)

Q: Can I get hepatitis B or some other chronic illness from the hepatitis B vaccine?

A: You cannot contract hepatitis from the vaccine and there is no confirmed evidence that the vaccine can cause chronic illness.