The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC, estimates that 85,000 new cases of hepatitis occur yearly.http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/ With the potential for serious life-long consequences such as liver cancer, it is important to lower your chances for contracting hepatitis by understanding how the diseases are transmitted, vaccine options and general health precautions that could help you avoid a hepatitis infection.

Hepatitis comprises a series viral diseases that cause varying degrees of liver infections and symptoms. Five of the six types of hepatitis are recognized by letter distinctions. Hepatitis A is generally a mild infection, but the effects can last several months. The impact of hepatitis B can range from a mild illness to a long-term condition that results in liver disease. Hepatitis C often causes a chronic infection that leads to liver cancer or cirrhosis. While rare within the United States, hepatitis D infections can result in serious liver disease. Hepatitis E is common in countries with contaminated water supplies and causes an acute liver infection.http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/PublicInfo.htm#whatIsHep Alcoholic hepatitis is linked with alcohol use and can lead to cirrhosis, jaundice and other serious health concerns.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcoholic-hepatitis/DS00785/DSECTION=complications

Not all types of hepatitis can be prevented through vaccinations, but you can avoid hepatitis A and hepatitis B by taking a series of shots for each. One dose of the hepatitis A vaccine provides short-term protection and most vaccine manufacturers recommend a second dose between 6 and 18 months after the first dose to provide long-term protection from the virus. The World Health Organization advises high-risk groups such as homosexual men, drug users and individuals traveling to infected areas to take the vaccine. The vaccine is generally not recommended for children under 1 year of age.http://www.who.int/vaccines/en/hepatitisa.shtml

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, routine vaccination for hepatitis B started in 1991. For long-term immunity, a series of 3 to 4 shots are required. Infants should be provided with their first vaccination shot soon after birth and complete the entire series by 1 1/2. Unvaccinated adults, especially ones in high risk groups such as kidney dialysis patients, individuals with multiple sex partners and those who work around human blood, will achieve limited immunity at the start of the injection series and long-term protection once the series is completed. Individuals who are ill, had a serious allergic reaction to a prior hepatitis B vaccine shot or have a serious allergy to baker's yeast should not take the vaccine.http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-hep-b.pdf

Following standard hygiene practices can help you avoid some forms of hepatitis. The Mayo Clinic suggests washing your hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, after changing a diaper and before preparing foods. You should also avoid sharing items such as towels, toothbrushes or utensils to prevent Hepatitis A contraction.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-a/DS00397

Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with contaminated blood and bodily fluids including semen. Avoid hepatitis B by insuring that any injections you receive for drugs or tattoos are performed with new or sterilized needles. Barber's razors should also be clean or new and body piercing equipment should be sterilized. You should also practice safe sex and use a condom, especially if you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship.http://www.hepatitisinfo.org/couldihavehep3_3.html

Transmission of hepatitis C is similar to hepatitis B. It is generally transmitted through contact with infected blood, often through the sharing of needles.http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/ChooseC.htm You should avoid all contact with blood products without wearing proper protective gear and ensure that all needles are sanitized before use.

For travel outside the United States, you should take precautions against hepatitis D and E. Hepatitis D is spread through infected blood and can be transmitted through intercourse.http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/ChooseD.htm You should practice safe sex with a condom, and ensure all needles used on you are new or throughly sanitized. Hepatitis E is transmitted through fecal matter and can be transmitted through contaminated water. Especially in areas with poor water hygiene, avoid hepatitis E by only drinking bottled water or boiled water, by not eating steamed or raw shellfish, and by avoiding fruits and vegetables that have been washed with regular tapwater. http://hepatitis.emedtv.com/hepatitis-e/hepatitis-e-prevention.html

Certain actions and behaviors are linked to a greater risk of contracting the various forms of hepatitis. Since hepatitis typically does not have any outward symptoms, you cannot avoid hepatitis by merely staying away from infected individuals. The better method of reducing your risk is to avoid behaviors that could cause transmission. You should avoid sharing personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers.http://www.hepatitisinfo.org/couldihavehep3_3.html To avoid the risk of transmission from dirty needles, avoid tattooing or body piercing, unless you are certain all equipment is completely sterile or new. Do not take illegal drugs, especially ones that require a needle or syringe.

Since some forms of hepatitis can be transmitted through sexual contact, the only certain way to avoid hepatitis from sex is abstinence. Lacking abstinence, you should always use safe sex practices such as the use of a condom, especially if you have multiple sexual partners.http://www.hepatitisinfo.org/couldihavehep3_3.html

Travelling to international destinations with unsanitary water sources is also a risk factor for hepatitis. When traveling abroad is is best to only drink water from a sealed bottle and use that water for washing dishes, brushing your teeth and cleaning fruits and vegetables that will be served raw. Do not use ice made with local water. You should avoid eating foods that are not throughly cooked and should avoid steamed or raw shellfish.http://hepatitis.emedtv.com/hepatitis-e/hepatitis-e-prevention.html

Moderate to excessive alcohol consumption can also cause a form of hepatitis called alcoholic hepatitis according to the Mayo Clinic. Binge drinking is most associated with alcoholic hepatitis, but it is possible to develop the condition with not more than two drinks daily.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcoholic-hepatitis/DS00785 Avoiding alcohol, especially binge drinking can minimize your chances of developing the condition.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.