What are the risk factors for HBV infection?
• Unsafe sexual practices such as not practicing safe sex or having multiple sex partners. In the United States CDC states that approximately 50% of all HBV infected people had a sexual risk factor. • Men who have sex with men. • Hemodialysis. • Hemophilia. • Intravenous drug use. CDC states that 15% of all HBV infected persons admitted to IV drug usage. • Close personal contact with someone who is a chronic HBV carrier. HBV is highly contagious, infection can occur by sharing razors and toothbrushes as the virus can remain infectious for up to (7) days even on dry surfaces. • HBV-HDV infection status. People who have an HBV-HDV coinfection may have a lower risk of developing a chronic HBV-HDV infection but they may have a more severe acute illness and a higher risk of developing fulminant hepatitis. Fulminant hepatitis is a rare form of hepatitis characterized by brain damage, blood clotting disorders, kidney failure and coma frequently leading to death. In contrast, individuals with
