Hepatitis B Prevention Suggestions
Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the
hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is most commonly spread through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids, or saliva.
There are a number of ways to prevent a hepatitis B infection. The best way to protect yourself from hepatitis B is to get the hepatitis B vaccine and avoid high-risk behaviors.
Hepatitis B Prevention -- The Hepatitis B Vaccine
The best way to prevent hepatitis B 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 B virus.
The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given through three injections over six months. Candidates for hepatitis B vaccination include the following groups of people:
- All girls and boys from 0 to 18 years old
- Anyone whose sex partner has chronic hepatitis B
- Men who have sex with men
- Someone who has been recently diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease
- People with multiple sex partners
- Anyone who shoots drugs
- Someone who lives with a person with chronic hepatitis B
- People whose jobs expose them to human blood.
A combination vaccine exists for
hepatitis A and hepatitis B.