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Step 1
Determine your level of risk. Hepatitis E usually occurs in developing countries, in a hot climate. It rarely occurs in the United States and it is nearly impossible to contract the condition if you do not travel to an area that has it. This includes the South Asia as well as North Africa.
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Step 2
Consider the methods of transmission. HEV is often transmitted by the stool of those that have it (both animals and humans) or can be spread by eating and drinking from a contaminated food or water source. It is uncommon for human to human transmission to happen.
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Step 3
Spot the symptoms of Hepatitis E including jaundice, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and dark colored urine, often meaning dehydration. These symptoms can happen individually, though they often are present in most patients with the virus.
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Step 4
Have a blood test. Though it is rare that the diagnose of Hepatitis E will occur in the United States, a blood test by your doctor will reveal its presence. Generally, it is treated much like the flu would be treated in the United States in that only supportive care is given.
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Step 5
Know that you can be protected from Hepatitis E, or other forms, by getting a vaccination. Before traveling to developing countries, contact your doctor to be given a vaccination to prevent yourself from contracting the condition. A vaccination is considered the best preventative measure available besides good hygiene.
