I’m new here, and I wanted to share a bit of my journey. I was first diagnosed with Hepatitis B about five years ago when I went to donate blood for a sick friend. The news came as a huge shock — I was devastated and confused, especially because I had been celibate and thought HBV could only be transmitted through sexual contact.
Since then, I haven’t experienced any symptoms, and I’ve kept this part of my life private. I’ve carried the emotional weight mostly in silence, but finding this community gives me hope and a sense of connection.
I’m still learning and trying to understand how best to manage things going forward, and I’m really grateful to be among people who understand.
Hi @Zacchy,
Welcome to the community and also for sharing your experience. Sexual contact is not the only mode that HBV can be transmitted. Mother-to-child transmission which occurs during birth is the most common globally (vertical transmission), unscreened/contaminated blood used in blood transfusion, sharing needles through substance use, etc. HBV is not transmitted via casual contacts (such as handshakes, sharing utensils, sharing a bed, hugging, kissing, etc,.)
We are glad you found this community and hope that you will find it helpful. We are here to support each other so no one feels alone. Let us know how we can support you and you continue your HBV journey. Welcome once again to the community. Thanks, Bansah1