Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral disease transmitted by exposure to infected blood or blood products (such as blood transfusions), saliva, or through unprotected sex with someone who is infected.[1]
As with AIDS, Hepatitis B is not contagious from casual contact, however Hepatitis B is a resilient virus which can live outside the body for up to seven days under certain conditions[2] as opposed to HIV which can only survive outside the body for a few hours.[3]
Vaccine
The Hepatitis B vaccine has been available since 1982 and is effective in preventing long term Hepatitis B infection in 80 - 95% of vaccinated individuals.[4] The vaccine is effective in both pre and post-exposure cases. The CDC and WHO recommend vaccination for all health care workers, people who may come into contact with bodily fluids, and children.[5]
