Ways to reduce hepatitis B transmission are to:
* wash hands after touching blood or body fluids
* wear disposable gloves if giving someone first aid or cleaning up blood or body fluids
* avoid sharing toothbrushes, razors, needles, syringes, personal hygiene items and grooming aids or any object that may come into contact with blood or body fluids
* use new and sterile injecting equipment for each injection
* cover all cuts and open sores with a bandage
* wipe up any blood spills and then clean the area with household bleach
* throw away personal items such as tissues, menstrual pads, tampons and bandages in a sealed plastic bag
* practice safe sex
People who think they have been exposed to hepatitis B and who have not been vaccinated should receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) within 14 days of exposure from their general practitioner.