Many chronic carriers remain symptom free or develop only a mild condition, chronic persistent hepatitis. The most effective means of preventing hepatitis B virus infection is to avoid contact with the blood and body fluids, including semen and vaginal secretions, of infected individuals. Protect sex partners from exposure to semen, vaginal fluids or blood through the proper use of latex condoms. Many health care and laboratory workers who handle blood and other body fluids also are vaccinated. People who come into direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an HBV carrier may receive one or more injections of hepatitis B immune globulin, sometimes in combination with hepatitis B vaccine.
Immune globulin offers temporary protection, while the vaccine provides long-lasting immunity.
The CDC and other groups have recommended that pregnant women be screened for hepatitis B as part of routine prenatal care. If the mother is infected, her baby can be given hepatitis B immune globulin and vaccine immediately after birth.