Hepatitis B: Understanding the transmission risks and importance of vaccination

July 25, 2023
By Professor Dr Rosmawati Mohamed, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 
​Hepatitis B is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects the liver. It can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, making certain practices like sharing needles during drug use, tattooing, and acupuncture particularly risky. Surprisingly, everyday items like razors, toothbrushes, and earrings can also pose a transmission risk if they come into contact with infected blood. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the strict sterilization and proper disposal of such items to prevent transmission.

The diseases can also be spread through unprotected sex with an infected person, contact with an open wound or wound dressing, and through birth - passing from an infected mother to her newborn baby.
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Impact on different age groups
The outcome of a Hepatitis B infection can vary depending on the age at which the individual contracts the virus. If an adult contracts Hepatitis B, around 95% of cases result in recovery, where the virus gets cleared and the person is no longer infectious. However, babies who contract the infection during birth will carry the virus for life, leading to persistent chronic effects on their health. Hence, vaccination for babies is crucial.

The crucial role of vaccination
Vaccination against Hepatitis B has been a vital preventive measure since its introduction in 1998. Individuals who received the vaccine after this date in Malaysia are at a significantly lower risk of contracting the disease. A study conducted revealed that only 0.4% of those vaccinated contracted Hepatitis B, while the unvaccinated group showed a higher rate of infection at 3%.

Ear piercing
Considering the potential transmission risks associated with ear piercing, it becomes crucial for individuals to protect themselves through vaccination. Receiving the vaccine before getting an ear piercing is a proactive step that not only safeguards your health but also prevents the inadvertent spread of the disease to others.

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