Re: Hepititis B : Kissing

In Reply to: Hepititis B : Kissing posted by Kathy on November 29, 1999 at 16:57:12:

Hepatitis B virus is contained in body fluids including saliva and tears. The amounts of virus contained in saliva, tears and sweat is minimal UNLESS there is visible blood seen in the fluids. This would increase the viral content. If you were to have abrasions, cold sores, cuts, etc in your mouth there is a possibility of transmission during kissing. Depends on a lot of factors. You also must keep in mind that the hepatitis virus is very hardy and can remain viable for up to seven days in a dried stated on the surface of an object.