Question About Hepatitis B Survival at High Temperatures and Possible Transmission

Living With Hep B Hep B Transmission and Prevention
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Hello everyone, I have a question regarding the survival ability of hepatitis B virus at high temperatures. From what I’ve learned, the hepatitis B virus is relatively heat-resistant compared to many other viruses and may survive at temperatures up to 100°C for a certain period of time. Yesterday, my friend who has hepatitis B came over and helped me cook. While cooking, his hand was bleeding and some blood dripped into the pot. Later, I ate the food while I had an bleeding gum (sometimes my gums bleed when I brush my teeth) in my mouth. Is there any possibility of hepatitis B transmission in this situation? Thank you very much!

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Hi, nobody can tell you the answer with 100% certainty. I suggest you just get tested.

Good luck, Ace

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Hi @H_ng_Ph_m,
This is a great question. Here is my layman’s view on this: You are correct that hepatitis B may survive up to 100 degrees celecious, but it is, however, for a very short time. It won’t survive the long cooking methods such as boiling, baking, etc. In this case, your chances of getting infected are less likely.

While the virus cannot be transmitted through food, it can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood/bodily fluids (for example, semen) that can enter one’s bloodstream through a cut or opening.

I strongly recommend that you get vaccinated if you have not already done so. Vaccination is the best way to prevent HBV infection; it is safe and provides individuals/families with peace of mind. Hopefully, this helps. Bansah1

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Thank you very much!

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Thank you very much !

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I received the Hepatitis B vaccine when I was a child, and now I am 28 years old. Is the vaccine still effective?

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In some patients the antibodies wane over time, others don’t see this decline. Since it’s been over a decade, I recommend checking your anti-hbs level ( the test is HBsAb, also check HBsAg). This will measure how much antibodies you have to protect against hepatitis B. A positive result indicates high antibodies and protection, while a negative result will indicate no or low antibodies and no protection. If a negative results due to low antibodies level, you can get a booster shot which will help build back up your antibodies. If you have no antibodies then you have to get the entire vaccine series again. I will do this as soon as possible.

Best, Bansah1

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