Internationally acclaimed Hong Kong singer-actor Andy Lau would have never expected that admitting he has had the Hepatitis B virus since childhood would cause him problems.

 

The news media hailed Lau's when he served as a publicity ambassador in a promotion program with the Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control.

 

But fans have targeted Lau, saying he still does kissing scenes in movies according to the Chongqing Evening News.

 

"One can only contract the virus through kissing if there is an abundance of saliva. I am not afraid to shoot kissing scenes and will do more," Lau was reported as saying.

 

His words drew sharp criticism from fans with one fan asking: "Didn't he think of his disease before shooting these hot scenes?"

 

Lau has attached great importance to kissing in his films.

 

In Feng Xiaogang's A World without Thieves, Lau kissed his partner on a train in 40-degree heat. In Zhang Yimou's House of Flying Daggers, Lau smooched Zhang Ziyi.

 

 

Andy Lau and Zhang Ziyi in House of Flying Daggers

 

The virus is not likely to be spread through kissing, according to emergency doctor Xiang.

 

Xiang said if there is a wound in one's mouth, there is a possibility of contracting the virus through kissing, adding if the virus is not active in the body of the carrier, the possibility is slim.

 

There are about 120 million people who carry the virus, of which 30 million have full-blown Hepatitis B, according to media reports.

 

(CRI September 8, 2006)