Hepatitis B is very infectious. The virus is mainly carried in the blood, but is also present in small amounts in other bodily fluids such as saliva, semen, vaginal fluid, urine, tears and breast milk. It can enter the body through minute injuries in the skin and mucous membranes. It is usually transmitted during sex.
Sharing needles and equipment when using drugs carries a very high risk of infection. A tube used to snort drugs such as cocaine can also transmit hepatitis B in tiny traces of blood. Sharing toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers also carries a risk.
