Can I get hepatitis B through hugging or kissing?

No. Hepatitis B is not spread through touching or saliva. You can only get hepatitis B from infected blood or specific body fluids.

Most people contract hepatitis B at birth or in early childhood. You can also get hepatitis B if you have sex without a condom or have unsafe medical procedures.

Learn more about hepatitis B

References

ASHM. (2019). What is hepatitis B. Retrieved from All Good.

Haggan, M. (2015, 07 28). The biggest myths about hepatitis B uncovered. Retrieved from AJP.

Updated 11 December 2020

Latest

Removing barriers to telehealth will improve access to hepatitis B treatment and hepatitis C cures

Media Statement Budget 2021: Hepatitis Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to extend telehealth and remove access barriers in the 2021 Budget. Patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis C can now access treatment via telehealth without needing to have previously or recently seen that clinician.
Investment in life saving research can eliminate viral hepatitis

Media statement Budget 2021: Hepatitis Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s significant investment of $6.7 billion in medical research over the next 4 years, including $2.6 billion for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and $3.6 billion for the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Parliamentary Morning Tea: We can eliminate hepatitis C!

The Parliamentary Friends Group for Action of Blood Borne Viruses Co-Chairs, Tim Wilson, MP and Senator Louise Pratt invite you to a Parliamentary Morning Tea on Thursday 12 November.
Renewed calls for Needle & Syringe Programs in prisons ahead of International Drug Users Day

The Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) and Hepatitis Australia are highlighting international calls for Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs) in prisons, along with a greater focus on harm reduction initiatives, ahead of International Drug Users Day on 1 November.