7 Tips to Prevent Hepatitis

7 Tips to Prevent Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an often misunderstood disease. Hepatitis comes in a variety of forms, and it can be contracted in a number of ways. But the reality is that hepatitis is very dangerous. According to the CDC, hepatitis C kills more Americans than any other infectious disease. With that in mind, we’re going to take a closer look at this disease and highlight seven helpful tips to prevent hepatitis. Check them out here: 

Get Vaccinated

Vaccinations are available for hepatitis A, B, and D, and it’s recommended that children receive a hepatitis vaccination in between their first and second birthday. Note, not all forms of hepatitis have vaccines. Getting vaccinated is the safest and surest way to prevent several forms of hepatitis. 

Practice Good Hygiene

Hepatitis A is primarily transferred through the ingestion of fecal matter –– even in microscopic amounts. Given that fact, it’s important to always practice good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly after you go to the bathroom and avoid unclean foods or liquids. Individuals who are traveling abroad should take extra precautions in areas where hepatitis A is common. 

Practice Safe Sex

Hepatitis B and C are both transferred through bodily fluids. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Meanwhile, hepatitis C typically spreads through contact with blood. In order to prevent the spread of both hepatitis B and C, it’s important to practice safe sex. Proper condom usage can dramatically lower the potential of STD transmission during intercourse. 

Never Share Needles

Since hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus, sharing needles can lead to its transmission. Bottom line, never share needles with anyone. (Also, don’t share razors or other devices that could contain infected blood.)

Avoid Heavy Alcohol/Drug Use

Hepatitis can either be infectious or noninfectious. Noninfectious hepatitis occurs through years of heavy drug/alcohol use and damages the liver in a significant way. Avoid abusing drugs or alcohol to prevent noninfectious hepatitis. 

Get Tested

One of the best ways to protect your well-being –– and the well-being of your partners –– is to get tested for STDs on a regular basis. STDs can remain dormant for weeks, months, or even years in some instances. And it’s easy to misdiagnose common symptoms of STDs for other conditions. Given that fact, sexually active adults should schedule STD tests on a regular basis. Lastly, all women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should get screened for STDs. 

Seek Treatment

Hepatitis can manifest in acute or chronic cases. Chronic cases are incurable, but can be managed with treatments that will reduce the risk of liver disease. Acute cases, on the other hand, can be eradicated with antiviral medication. As always, the sooner you seek treatment, the better.