How does HBV spread?
The spread of HBV occurs when blood from an HBV-infected person enters the body of a person who is not infected. This can occur through having sex with an HBV-infected person without using a condom (the efficacy of latex condoms in preventing infection with HBV is unknown, but their proper use may reduce spread of HBV). Sex contact is the most common reason for the spread of HBV infection in the United States. The spread of HBV from male to female or female to male accounts for about 1 out of 3 acute (recently acquired) HBV infections in adults. The risk of spreading HBV increases if the male or female has multiple sex partners, a history of a sexually transmitted disease, or has sex with an HBV-infected person. About 1 out of 4 acute HBV infections occur among men who have sex with men. HBV is also easily spread by sharing drugs, needles, or “works” when “shooting” drugs. The risk of HBV infection from HBV-contaminated needlesticks is much greater than the risk of spreading HIV by thi
