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How
does the virus spread?
Hepatitis B virus is carried in blood and other
body fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions.
It can be spread when infected fluids, even droplets,
pass from one person to another through sexual contact,
a skin puncture with a contaminated needle, or through
the mouth, a cut, or scratched skin.
In addition, because HBV can live on a surface
for at least a month, it is even possible (though
less likely) to contract it by sharing eating
utensils, toothbrushes, or razors with someone
who is infected.
The most common risk factor for hepatitis B infection
in the United States is sexual contact. Heterosexual
sex accounts for 41% of infections with known
causes; homosexual sex, 14%. Intravenous (I.V.)
drug use accounts for 12% of infections; household
contact with a chronic carrier, 4%; and infection
on the job in certain high-risk occupations, such
as healthcare, accounts for 2%. However, 25% of
all persons with HBV have no known risk factors
for infection.
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