Prevention of Hepatitis A

Prevention of hepatitis A begins by getting vaccinated and practicing good personal hygiene. Other prevention methods include avoiding shellfish that come from contaminated waters, drinking boiled or bottled water in places where there is a risk of contamination, and using condoms correctly every time you have sex. Immunoglobulin can be given to prevent hepatitis A in short-term situations or when exposure has already occurred.

 

An Overview of Hepatitis A Prevention

Hepatitis A is an infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is most commonly spread by eating or drinking something (or putting something in your mouth, such as a utensil) that has been contaminated with the stool of a person infected with hepatitis A.
 
However, there are ways to prevent a hepatitis A infection. These prevention methods include:
 
  • Getting vaccinated
  • Getting immunoglobulin
  • Practicing good personal hygiene.
     

Prevention of Hepatitis A: Getting Vaccinated

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.
 A vaccine is a drug that you take when you are healthy that keeps you from getting sick. Vaccines teach your body to attack certain viruses, like the hepatitis A virus.
 
The hepatitis A vaccine is effective and can keep you from ever getting the disease. In fact, it can protect a person against hepatitis A for at least 20 years. The vaccine is given as a series of two injections. Children can get the vaccine after they are a year old; it is recommended that children get the first hepatitis A vaccine shot between 12 and 23 months of age. Other candidates for hepatitis A vaccination include travelers to developing countries with high rates of hepatitis A and users of illegal drugs.
 
Side effects associated with the hepatitis A vaccine are usually minor and include:
 
  • Soreness at or around the injection site
  • Mild headache
  • Feeling tired.
 
In rare instances, the vaccine may cause a serious problem, such as an allergic reaction.
 
A combination vaccine exists for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
 
(Click Hepatitis A Vaccine for more information.)
 
(Prevention of Hepatitis A Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD