Hepatitis A Prevention

Proper Sanitary Habits

• Wash your hands with soap and water. This is very important after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food.
• Avoid using household utensils that a person with hepatitis A may touch.
  • Make sure all household utensils are carefully cleaned
• Avoid sexual contact with a person with hepatitis A.
• Avoid injected drug use. If you do, do not share needles.
• If you travel to a high risk region, take the following precautions:
  • Drink bottled water
  • Avoid ice chips
  • Wash the fruits well
  • Eat well-cooked food

Immune (Gamma) Globulin

This contains antibodies that provides temporary protection from hepatitis A. It can last about 1-3 months. It must be given before exposure to the virus or within two weeks after exposure.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

This vaccine is made from inactive hepatitis A virus. It is highly effective in preventing infection. It provides full protection four weeks after the first injection. A second injection provides protection lasting up to 20 years.

The vaccine is also used after exposure. If given within two weeks, it can prevent infection.

The vaccine is recommended for:

• People who have a chronic liver disease (including hepatitis C) or a clotting factor disorder
• People who have close physical contact with those who live in areas with poor sanitary conditions
• People traveling to countries where sanitary conditions are poor
• Children who live in areas that have repeated hepatitis A epidemics
• People who inject illicit drugs
• Men who have sex with men

Check with your doctor to see if you should receive the vaccine.