How long after exposure to HBV until contagious

Chuck100

New Member

Joined : Jan 2018

Posts : 2

Posted 1/8/2018 11:06 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,
I was wondering if there is an average time from exposure to HBV to becoming contagious and being able to pass the virus to others.

Many thanks for any help.

ppm guy

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2010

Posts : 1261

Posted 1/9/2018 12:14 AM (GMT 0)

Hi chuck100 and welcome,
It varies..by the time you know, you may be contagious. After 1st detection, your dr will test you periodically.. looking for antibodies to appear. 95% of those infected, will pass the virus, by immune response. You will then acquire antibodies, that will make you immune to future infections.

Hope that helps... good luck

Chuck100

New Member

Joined : Jan 2018

Posts : 2

Posted 1/9/2018 12:52 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the speedy response!

The reason for my question is that I had a possible exposure and 10 days after, I cut myself at home without realising, the first thing I knew about it was when I noticed some blood on a door handle. Obviously I cleaned quickly, but I’m not sure I got it all as I’m not entirely sure where I’d been and when it happened. I also have young children who I would have been interacting with, but just can’t be sure.

I’m completely petrified and just can’t believe I may have put them at risk.

Is it possible that I could have been contagious after 10 days?

Thanks

ppm guy

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2010

Posts : 1261

Posted 1/9/2018 1:52 AM (GMT 0)

It can take a few weeks, to a couple months for the virus to show on blood test. It could be contagious as soon as the virus enters the blood stream, and begins replicating..have you contacted your dr.?

Most all children are vaccinated for hep b at birth, with 2 more boosters before their 6 months old. But I would treat everybody as if they were not immune..

You can google a hep b website to familiarize yourself with safe practices.

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