What Is Hepatitis and How Can It be Prevented?
Hepatitis is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It can be either acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (lasting more than six months). Several viruses are known to cause hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, and C. To reduce your chances of getting hepatitis: • 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.
