A patient has a positive HBsAg. What education will you provide?

• A. The patient is not a candidate for antiviral or interferon medications.
• B. Avoid sexual intercourse or intimacy until blood work is negative.
• C. The patient is less likely to develop a chronic infection.
• D. The patient is now recovered from a previous Hepatitis B infection and is immune.

Answer: (B)

A positive hepatitis B surface antigen means there is an active infection and the person is contagious. Because the virus is present in the blood and body fluids, it can be transmitted through sexual contact as well as other close interactions. The safest education is to avoid sexual intercourse or intimate contact until the patient is no longer infectious, which is shown by follow-up labs turning negative for HBsAg or as directed by the clinician. In the meantime, use protective measures for any contact with others, inform partners, and consider vaccination for them. It’s also important to recognize that a positive HBsAg does not mean immunity or recovery, and antiviral therapy decisions depend on the overall clinical situation, not just this single test.