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.