“I fell in love with my boyfriend at first sight. He was gentle, considerate and knowledgeable, my type of person. However, a few months after we met, he confessed that he was a hepatitis B carrier. Our relationship was opposed by our families, but I still love him very much and long for a happy tomorrow, so I don’t want to part ways. Am I sure I will be infected? Can we get married?” The above is the content of a netizen’s consultation. Hepatitis B patients can enjoy a normal life after scientific treatment, and marriage is certainly no exception. Although hepatitis B is an infectious disease, it is completely preventable and even intimate life partners will not be infected. This starts with three main elements: controlling the source of infection, cutting off the transmission route, and protecting susceptible people. Controlling the source of infection: in other words, treating people with hepatitis B. The level of infectivity of hepatitis B patients and carriers depends mainly on the level of HBV DNA, and aggressive antiviral therapy can reduce the serum HBV DNA level so that the patient is no longer infectious. However, it is not advocated that this boyfriend of a hepatitis B carrier should be treated with antiviral therapy simply to reduce the infectiousness to others. A hepatologist needs to professionally assess the condition and whether it is appropriate to start antiviral therapy. There are currently two types of drugs for antiviral therapy for hepatitis B patients, one is the nucleoside (acid) class and the other is the interferon class. For young or middle-aged people, especially young men and women who have not yet had children, who are less likely to accept long-term medication and who wish to obtain stable results after discontinuation, then a limited course of long-acting interferon would be a more appropriate choice. In some patients with a good response, long-acting interferon can also achieve e antigen serological conversion or even surface antigen clearance, getting rid of chronic hepatitis B for good. Cutting off the transmission route: Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through blood and body fluids. The hepatitis B virus is present in the body fluids and blood of patients, and can be transmitted when a healthy person comes into contact with the patient’s body fluids and blood when the skin and mucous membranes are damaged. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to personal hygiene when living with a hepatitis B carrier, such as not sharing toothbrushes, razors, syringes, needles (including acupuncture needles) and other items that may damage the mucous membrane of the skin. If the partner is HBsAg positive, vaccination against hepatitis B or the use of condoms can be effective in avoiding infection. However, there is no need to overdo it, as HBV is not transmitted through the digestive and respiratory tracts, so dining with a patient will not generally cause HBV transmission, nor will shaking hands, ritual kissing, hugging, etc. Protecting susceptible people: Hepatitis B vaccination is actually the most effective way to prevent HBV infection. The main component of the hepatitis B vaccine is the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus (the outer shell protein of the virus), which is not pathogenic but stimulates the body to produce protective antibodies. The hepatitis B vaccine requires 3 doses, following a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule, i.e., after the first vaccination, the second and third doses are administered 1 month and then 6 months apart. In general, more than 90% of people who receive all 3 doses of the vaccine will have a sufficient effect. If the surface antibody level of hepatitis B is greater than 10 milliinternational units/ml (mIU/ml), it proves that the human body has developed immunity to hepatitis B. There is no need to worry about being infected, and even close contact is safe, which is called “three doses for life”. However, if the hepatitis B surface antibody level is less than 10 milliinternational units/ml (mIU/ml) after all three doses of the vaccine, it means that the vaccine has not stimulated enough immunity against hepatitis B, and the hepatitis B vaccine needs to be boosted again. For people who have been vaccinated against hepatitis B and have known hepatitis B surface antibody levels greater than 10 milliinternational units/ml (mIU/ml), accidental exposure to the patient’s blood and body fluids may not require special treatment. However, what should be done for people who have not received hepatitis B vaccine or who have received hepatitis B vaccine but whose hepatitis B surface antibody level is less than 10 milliinternational units/ml (mIU/ml) or is unknown? You should immediately inject 200-400 international units of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and get the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at different sites at the same time, and the second and third doses of hepatitis B vaccine one and six months later, respectively. In conclusion, although chronic hepatitis B is an infectious disease, it can be prevented and treated. By taking scientific prevention and treatment measures including vaccination against hepatitis B and insisting on antiviral treatment, hepatitis B patients will have a happy tomorrow.