How long can hepatitis B be transmitted?

Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is transmitted mainly through blood, sexual contact and mother-to-child transmission. If a person is infected with hepatitis B virus, it takes time for the body to produce enough antibodies or antigens to detect the infection. Specifically, the window period after hepatitis B virus infection refers to the time interval between infection and detection of the virus. During this window period, although the body has been infected with hepatitis B virus, the antibody or antigen level may not be sufficient to detect it. The window period varies from person to person, usually 2 - 6 months, but can be longer. Therefore, if a person suspects that he or she has hepatitis B virus infection, the test should be performed within 2 - 6 months of infection to ensure an accurate diagnosis. If the test result is negative, but there is still doubt, the test can be performed again after 3 - 6 months. It should be noted that the test results within the window period may be inaccurate, so if there is a high risk of hepatitis B infection, you should seek medical attention in time and follow the doctor's advice for testing and treatment. At the same time, for hepatitis B patients, you should actively accept treatment and follow the doctor's advice to control the disease and reduce the risk of transmission.