Is there a vaccine?
Yes! You can get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B at the same time. You will receive three shots over six months, which will protect you for up to 25 years. If you are considered to be at “high-risk” by Public Health, i.e. if you’re a gay male, an injection drug user, a sex worker, or a community worker providing services to a “high risk” population, you can get vaccinated for free. If you don’t fit into these categories, it costs approximately $20 per shot.
What are the long-term effects?
About 15% of people who have been infected become chronic carriers. That means the virus stays in their body for years. Individuals who become chronic carriers can potentially develop cirrhosis (scaring) of the liver and even liver cancer. There is treatment that stops Hepatitis B from damaging the liver about 40% of the time, but it can be accompanied with serious side effects. It is important to see your doctor and get tested if you think you may have come into contact with the virus, because your treatment options are better the earlier you begin them.
How is it transmitted?
Hepatitis B is transmitted the exact same way as HIV, with one additional risk – saliva.
Blood – anything that pierces the skin or draws blood can put you at risk if you share your instruments. This includes needles and drug equipment, tattooing and piercing, as well as the tools used for electrolysis, acupuncture, manicuring, getting shaved with a straight razor, and waxing.
Semen and pre-cum and Vaginal Secretions – unprotected anal or vaginal sex
Breast milk – breast feeding
Saliva – even though the virus is in saliva, it has to get into the bloodstream to infect. Since stomach acids kill the virus when it’s swallowed, kissing alone isn’t enough to transmit it. If you have just brushed or flossed your teeth, or you have small cuts or sores in your mouth, the virus might have an entry. A good rule of thumb is to use mouthwash or gum for a fresh, kissable mouth instead of aggressive brushing before a date. It can also be transmitted through biting that breaks the skin.
What about electrolysis, acupuncture, waxing, and shaving with a razor?
The bottom line is that all of these contain needles or sharp edges, and can puncture the skin or draw blood. Many of these tools are reused between clients (at body art parlors, salons, estheticians, etc) and may not be properly sterilized. Remember, the Hepatitis B virus is very strong, and is not killed by alcohol, peroxide, barbicide, or even bleach. It is also important to know that while many people working in these fields take training courses and belong to professional associations, neither the beauty nor tattooing/piercing industries are government regulated or inspected, so don’t be shy to ask questions and inspect for yourself. Look for an autoclave, sterile wrapped tools, and the use of latex gloves. Many of the guidelines we suggest when you visit the tattoo or piercing shop also apply when you go to the beauty salon.
