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If you have hepatitis B, you need to take precautions to make sure you don't infect other people.

Hepatitis B can stay alive on surfaces such as table tops, razor blades and needles for at least a week.¹ If you inject illegal drugs, you can infect other people through sharing needles. You should try to avoid sharing household items such as razor blades, toothbrushes and towels, which may have infected body fluids on them.² If you live with other people, the people who live in your house should have a hepatitis B vaccine.

If you work in a job where you could spread hepatitis B, you might be advised to change your job or make changes to how you do your job. Your doctor will tell you to see an occupational health doctor for more advice.³

You can also spread hepatitis B by having unprotected sex (sex without a condom). So, if you have hepatitis B you should use condoms for sexual intercourse or oral sex.

If you have hepatitis B you should have a vaccine against another type of hepatitis, called hepatitis A. If you have long-term hepatitis B, you should try not to drink alcohol, as this can make the liver damage worse. Your doctor might also tell you to lose weight. Your doctor might advise you to avoid certain medications, such as Tylenol. That's because if you have hepatitis B, some medications may increase your risk of liver damage.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.