What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B – symptoms, transmission, protection and treatment

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the liver and is one of the most common infections worldwide. The disease can be acute and heal within a few months, or it can become chronic and cause long-term liver damage.

The good news is that there is an effective vaccine against hepatitis B that offers long-term protection. However, safe sex and hygienic precautions are also crucial to prevent infection.

Since hepatitis B often goes unnoticed or begins with nonspecific symptoms, it is important to be aware of the transmission routes, symptoms, and protective measures.

For comprehensive information on sexually transmitted infections and protective measures, take a look at our detailed overview.

Hepatitis B transmission routes: How do you become infected?

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is mainly transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids. Infection often goes unnoticed because even the smallest amounts of the virus are infectious.

How is hepatitis B transmitted?

Hepatitis B is transmitted by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is highly contagious. Infection occurs mainly through contact with blood and other bodily fluids, whereby even the smallest amounts can be enough to pass on the virus. Unprotected sex and direct blood contact are the most common routes of transmission.

  • Unprotected sex – vaginal, anal, and oral sex without a condom are the most common routes of transmission.
  • Blood contact – Shared needles (e.g., for drug use), unclean piercing or tattoo needles, or unsterilized medical instruments.
  • Transmission from mother to child – During childbirth, an infected mother can pass the virus on to her baby.
  • Body fluids – Infection is also possible via saliva, tears, and semen, especially in the case of open wounds or mucous membrane contact.

How quickly can you become infected with hepatitis B?

The hepatitis B virus is one of the most contagious viral diseases worldwide and up to 100 times more infectious than HIV. Even the smallest amounts of infected blood or other bodily fluids are enough to cause infection. The risk of infection is particularly high during unprotected sex, shared needles, or direct blood contact.

The incubation period for hepatitis B—the time between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms—is between 30 and 180 days, with most infections showing the first signs after about 75 days.

Can you get hepatitis B from using the toilet?

No, infection via toilet seats, door handles, or shared objects is extremely unlikely. Hepatitis B requires direct contact with blood or infectious bodily fluids to be transmitted.

However, hepatitis B can be transmitted indirectly in certain situations if infected blood comes into contact with open wounds or mucous membranes. Therefore, care should be taken not to share personal hygiene items such as razors, toothbrushes, or nail scissors with others, as these may be contaminated with tiny traces of blood.

Hepatitis B symptoms: Acute or chronic?

Hepatitis B can take two different forms: acute or chronic. In most cases, the infection clears up on its own in adults, but the virus remains in the body and can cause long-term liver damage in a small proportion of those affected. What makes it particularly treacherous is that many infections are asymptomatic or are confused with another disease.

Acute hepatitis B

The incubation period—the time from infection to the onset of the first symptoms—is 30 to 180 days, with an average of about 75 days. Not everyone develops symptoms, but when they do occur, they often resemble the flu or a gastrointestinal illness.


  • Fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite – A general feeling of illness and exhaustion are common initial symptoms.
  • Abdominal pain – Pain may occur, especially in the upper right abdomen, where the liver is located.
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) – Impaired liver function can cause bilirubin to accumulate in the body and turn the skin and eyes yellow.
  • Dark urine and light-coloured stools – Another sign of liver problems.
  • Joint pain or flu-like symptoms – Some people suffer from muscle pain, fever, or chills.

In many cases, acute hepatitis B resolves on its own within a few weeks or months without causing any permanent damage.

Chronic hepatitis B: The silent danger

In about 5 to 10% of adults, hepatitis B becomes chronic, which means the virus remains in the body permanently. Newborns and infants who become infected at birth are particularly at risk – in up to 90% of cases, the infection develops into a chronic disease.

The problem: chronic hepatitis B often goes unnoticed for years, as many people who are affected have no clear symptoms. Symptoms only appear once their liver has been damaged over a long period of time.

Long-term consequences of chronic hepatitis B:

  • Liver inflammation (hepatitis) – Permanent inflammation can impair liver function.
  • Cirrhosis of the liver (shrinking liver) – Scarring causes the liver to gradually lose its ability to filter toxins.
  • Increased risk of liver cancer – Long-term liver inflammation increases the likelihood of malignant tumors developing.

Hepatitis B prevention: Protection through vaccination and safer sex

Since hepatitis B is highly contagious, protective measures are crucial to prevent infection.

Hepatitis B vaccination: The best protection

Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective protection against infection and is already recommended in many countries during childhood.


  • Highly effective protection – After three doses of the vaccine, long-term protection of over 95% is achieved.
  • Particularly important for risk groups – People with frequently changing sexual partners, medical personnel, or people in close contact with infected individuals should be vaccinated.
  • Booster shot required? – In most cases, the vaccine provides lifelong protection; a booster shot is only necessary in exceptional cases.

Hepatitis B vaccination side effects: The vaccine is safe and well tolerated. Occasionally, redness or pain at the injection site, headaches, or mild fatigue may occur.

Further protective measures against hepatitis B

Since hepatitis B is highly contagious and even the smallest amounts of infected body fluids are enough to cause infection, targeted protective measures are particularly important. Here are the most effective methods to minimize the risk of infection:

  • Use condoms correctly – This is particularly important during vaginal, anal, and oral sex to prevent contact with infectious bodily fluids.
  • Avoid blood contact – Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or syringes.
  • Hygienic tattoos and piercings – Only choose sterile needles and hygienic studios.
  • Get tested regularly – Especially if there has been a risk of infection or if symptoms occur.

What hygiene measures are necessary for hepatitis B?

Simple hygiene measures are important for infected individuals and those around them to prevent transmission:

  • Do not share items that come into contact with blood (e.g., razors or nail scissors).
  • Treat wounds immediately and cover them with bandages.
  • Wash hands thoroughly if they have come into contact with blood or bodily fluids.
  • Do not have unprotected sex until a medical examination has been carried out.

Hepatitis B testing and treatment: What to do if you suspect you have it?

Since hepatitis B often goes unnoticed for a long time, testing is the only way to reliably detect an infection. Anyone who has had unprotected sex, come into contact with infected blood, or noticed symptoms such as fatigue or jaundice should get tested.

How is hepatitis B tested?

A simple blood test is sufficient to detect a hepatitis B infection. There are various testing methods:

  • Blood test – Looks for antibodies and virus components in the blood.
  • Liver function test – To detect possible damage to the liver.
  • PCR test – Determines the viral load in the blood and shows whether there is a chronic infection.

Hepatitis B treatment: Is hepatitis B curable?

Whether hepatitis B is curable depends on whether it is an acute or chronic infection. Early diagnosis and medical care are crucial to minimize the risk of long-term consequences such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

  • Acute hepatitis B – In most cases, it resolves on its own - supportive measures such as rest, a healthy diet, and plenty of fluids help to relieve the liver.
  • Chronic hepatitis B – Cannot be cured, but medication (e.g., antiviral drugs) can control the virus and prevent liver damage.
  • Regular medical check-ups – Especially important in the case of chronic infection to detect complications at an early stage.

Protect yourself from hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious viral infection that often goes unnoticed. Since the virus is transmitted through bodily fluids and blood, prevention and regular testing are the best ways to protect yourself.


  • Get vaccinated – The hepatitis B vaccine is the safest protection against infection.
  • Use condoms, such as Wingman condoms – they reduce the risk of transmission during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
  • Avoid contact with infected blood or bodily fluids – especially during medical procedures, tattoos, or when sharing hygiene products.
  • Regular testing provides security – especially if you have been at risk of infection or notice symptoms.

Protect yourself during sex and try the Wingman sample pack – see for yourself how easy they are to use and enjoy maximum protection and comfort!