Can You Catch Hepatitis Through The Air From Someone In The Same Room?

Hepatitis is not transmitted through the air, so being in the same room as someone with hepatitis will not put you at risk. Viral hepatitis mainly includes Hepatitis A, B, C, and E. Hepatitis A and E are primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, meaning they enter the body through the mouth. These viruses can be present in the feces of infected individuals and may contaminate water or food. When people consume contaminated food or water, they can become infected as the virus enters the body through the digestive system.

Hepatitis B and C are mainly transmitted through blood, bodily fluids, or vertical transmission from mother to child. Hepatitis B is especially known for its higher likelihood of being passed from mother to baby compared to Hepatitis C. These four types of hepatitis viruses are not spread through respiratory droplets. This means that actions such as talking face-to-face, coughing, sneezing, or contact with saliva do not transmit the virus.

There is no need to worry about catching hepatitis in shared spaces like homes, offices, or classrooms. Since these viruses are not airborne, normal social interaction poses no risk. Hepatitis viruses do not infect through the respiratory system, so simply sharing air with someone who has hepatitis will not lead to infection.