Hepatitis can be prevented if you take extra precautions. Here are some tips to keep yourself safe from infection:
Preventing hepatitis A
- Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, especially before handling any food and drinks for consumption.
- Avoid eating raw shellfish. Wash fruit and vegetables before consumption.
- When travelling overseas, do not drink directly from the tap. It is safer to drink bottled water.
- Get a hepatitis A vaccination before travelling.
Preventing hepatitis B
- Get vaccinated! Visit your GP to get screened for hepatitis B and get a vaccination if you are not protected against the disease.
- Avoid casual and unprotected sex.
Preventing hepatitis C
- Avoid sharing objects such as toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers which have a high risk of breaking the skin.
- Ensure that sterilized instruments are used when you get a body piercing, tattoo or acupuncture treatments.
- Avoid casual and unprotected sex.
