Hepatitis C (HCV) is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood - which may be present because of genital sores or cuts or menstruation. Thus, promiscuous individuals are more likely to get HBV. The likelihood of becoming infected with HBV grows with the number of sexual partners a person has. Yet, since HBV has been found in saliva, the risk of transmission with deep kissing probably exists and the risk increases if one partner wears orthodontic braces or has open cuts or sores in the mouth. The chance of transmission with deep kissing is unknown, as no infections have been definitively documented after exposure to infected saliva. It is not transmitted by holding hands, hugging, or even dry kissing on the lips. Oral sex and especially anal sex, whether it occurs in a heterosexual or homosexual context, are possible ways of transmitting the virus. HBV has been found in vaginal secretions, saliva, and semen. Hepatitis B (HBV) is 50 to 100 times easier to transmit sexually than HIV ( the virus that causes AIDS). If even a microscopic amount of virus-laden feces gets into the mouth, infection potentially can result. Hepatitis A spreads via fecal-oral contact, which can occur if there is direct oral-anal contact or contact with fingers or objects that have been in or near the anus of an infected person. In the U.S., the main threats are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.Ĭan all types be spread by sexual contact?
Scientists have identified at least five types of viral hepatitis that lead to liver problems. How many kinds of viral hepatitis are there? Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. But the liver-destroying disease can also sometimes be spread through sexual contact.
It’s widely known that viral hepatitis can spread through consuming contaminated food or sharing dirty hypodermic needles.