Skip to content WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
  • Bookmark This Page
  • Site Map
  • Sign up for WebMD Newsletters

Hepatitis Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Digestive Diseases: Preventing Hepatitis

There are many actions that you can take to reduce your chances of getting hepatitis. These include:

  • Get the vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B (there is currently no vaccine available for hepatitis C).
  • Use a latex condom during sex.
  • Don't share needles or take drugs.
  • Practice good personal hygiene such as thorough hand-washing.
  • Don't use an infected person's personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes.
  • Take precautions when getting any tattoos or body piercings.
  • Take precaution when traveling to areas of the world with poor sanitation. Make sure you get immunized against hepatitis A beforehand.

It is very important that you take the preventive measures necessary, especially if you participate in risky behavior, live or work in a high-risk environment, such as a nursing home, dormitory, daycare center or restaurant.

 

Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology.

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

Edited by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD on March 01, 2006
Video

The virus can do damage even if you don’t have symptoms.

Watch Video

Would you consider trying alternative or complementary therapies?


Most Popular Stories