Health · Infections
Hepatitis B and C: How They Spread and Prevention
Quick answer
Hepatitis B and C spread mainly through infected blood, for example from reused needles and syringes, unscreened blood transfusions, and unsterilised razors, dental or tattoo tools. Hepatitis B also spreads through sex and from mother to baby at birth. You can prevent hepatitis B with a vaccine; there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but medicines can cure more than 95% of cases.
Pakistan has one of the highest hepatitis burdens in the world. According to WHO, about 13.8 million people in the country live with hepatitis B or C, around 10 million with hepatitis C and 3.8 million with hepatitis B. Most do not know they are infected. The good news is that both infections can be prevented.
What are hepatitis B and C?
Both are viruses that infect the liver. Many people have no symptoms for years, but long-term infection can slowly damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis (scarring) and liver cancer.
How do hepatitis B and C spread?
Both spread mainly through blood. In Pakistan, WHO highlights these risks:
- Injections given with reused or unsterile needles and syringes
- Blood transfusions that have not been properly screened
- Surgical and dental procedures with poorly cleaned tools
- Shared or reused razors at barber shops
- Ear or body piercing and tattooing with unclean equipment
- Sharing needles for drug use
Hepatitis B can also spread through sex and from a mother to her baby at birth or in early childhood.
How do they NOT spread?
You cannot catch hepatitis B or C from:
- Hugging or kissing
- Sharing plates, cups or food
- Coughing or sneezing
- Food or water
- Breastfeeding
People living with hepatitis should not be kept away from family meals or daily life.
How can I protect myself and my family?
Get vaccinated against hepatitis B
The hepatitis B vaccine gives nearly 100% protection. WHO recommends that every baby gets the first dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by more doses. Adults who have not been vaccinated can ask a doctor about it.
Insist on safe injections
- Only accept injections from a new syringe taken out of a sealed pack in front of you.
Be careful with blood and tools
- Accept blood only from a registered, properly screened blood bank.
- At the barber, ask for a fresh blade every time.
- Use dental clinics and piercing places that sterilise their equipment.
- Do not share razors at home.
Get tested
Only about 25–30% of infected people in Pakistan know their status. A simple blood test can tell you. Hepatitis C can be cured with medicines taken for a short period, curing more than 95% of people. Hepatitis B cannot be cured yet, but treatment can slow liver damage.
What symptoms can hepatitis cause?
Many people have no symptoms at first. When they appear, they may include tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine and yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
When to see a doctor
See a doctor soon if you notice:
- Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
- Dark urine
- Ongoing tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
- You had a risky exposure, such as a reused syringe, unsafe blood or a shared razor
- You are pregnant and have not been tested for hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can sometimes cause sudden, severe illness and liver failure. If someone with jaundice becomes very unwell, get emergency help straight away (call Rescue 1122 where available, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department).
Frequently asked questions
Can hepatitis B or C spread by sharing food?
No. WHO and CDC say hepatitis B and C do not spread through food, water, sharing utensils, hugging, kissing, coughing or breastfeeding.
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C?
No, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. It is prevented by avoiding blood contact, such as insisting on new syringes and screened blood, and it can be cured with medicines in more than 95% of cases.
When should a baby get the hepatitis B vaccine?
WHO recommends the first dose as soon as possible after birth, ideally within 24 hours, followed by further doses.
Can hepatitis B be cured?
Long-term hepatitis B cannot be cured yet, but treatment can slow liver damage and lower the risk of liver cancer. A doctor can advise whether treatment is needed.
In an emergency call Rescue 1122 where the service is available, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.