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Reducing Your Risk of Viral Hepatitis

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Reducing Your Risk of Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis spreads between people. But it can be prevented. Things that reduce the risk of hepatitis are:

  • Getting hepatitis A and B vaccines.
  • Avoiding blood or body fluids from those with hepatitis by:
    • Using latex condoms
    • Not sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes
    • Covering cuts or scrapes
    • Cleaning blood with gloves and bleach-based cleaners
    • Donating your own blood before surgery
    • Not using IV drugs or sharing needles
  • Keeping food safe by:
    • Washing hands with soap and water before touching food
    • Not washing food with water in places where water may not be clean
    • Heating food to 185°F (85°C) for 1 minute
    • Fully cooking food to the proper temperature
    • Not eating raw or uncooked food in places where hepatitis A is common
    • Using bottled water in places where hepatitis A is common

References

  • Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatitis-a-virus-hav-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Acute hepatitis C infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-hepatitis-c-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-hepatitis-b-virus-hbv-infection. Accessed April 18, 2019.
  • Chronic hepatitis C infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-hepatitis-c-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Hepatitis C—treatment of genotype 1. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/hepatitis-c-treatment-of-genotype-1. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Hepatitis C—treatment of genotypes 2-6. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/hepatitis-c-treatment-of-genotypes-2-6. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatitis-d-virus-hdv-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatitis-e-virus-hev-infection Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Overview of acute viral hepatitis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/hepatitis/overview-of-acute-viral-hepatitis. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Overview of chronic hepatitis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/hepatitis/overview-of-chronic-hepatitis. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Thuener J. Hepatitis A and B infections. Prim Care. 2017;44(4):621-629.

Contributors

  • David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-02-02

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.