Final answer:
Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through blood and other body fluids like semen and vaginal secretions. In health-care settings, protective measures include the use of personal protective equipment, proper disinfection, and vaccination. Direct contact with infected blood represents the greatest risk for transmission. The correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral infection that affects the liver and is transmitted through potentially infectious materials. While HBV can be found in several body fluids, the primary mode of transmission is through blood and other body fluids like semen and vaginal secretions. HBV is not typically spread through saliva, tears, sweat, or urine unless these fluids contain significant amounts of blood. This is of particular importance in health-care settings, where professionals are at an elevated risk of exposure to infected body fluids. To reduce the spread of HBV in these environments, the use of gloves, face protection, and disposable syringes and needles is recommended. Additionally, care with disinfection and sterilization of medical equipment is crucial, especially given that the virus can remain infective on surfaces for up to seven days.
After potential exposure to HBV, immediate washing of the area with soap and water is advised, and post-exposure treatment may include hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends using a 10% bleach solution for disinfecting surfaces. For healthcare workers, vaccination is available and often required as a preventative measure against infection.