Things You'll Need:
- Water Filters
- Bottled Water
- Soap
- Soap
- Paper Towels
- Paper Towels
- Paper towels
-
Step 1
Consider a hepatitis A vaccination (Havrix) or an immunoglobulin (IG) injection if you fall into a high-risk group (see the Tips, below). IG injections provide short-term protection against hepatitis A (several months), while a vaccination is effective for a longer period (years).
-
Step 2
Consider getting tested for antibodies to hepatitis A if you have been infected before or if you are over 50. You may not need vaccination, as you may already be immune.
-
Step 1
Take precautions especially if you are traveling in rural or underdeveloped areas with poor sanitation. Parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean have high rates of hepatitis A.
-
Step 2
Avoid untreated tap water, including ice cubes. Limit your liquids to canned or bottled drinks. Boil water if necessary.
-
Step 3
Avoid uncooked fruits and vegetables, especially ones that cannot be peeled. Foods with thick skins might be safe once peeled. Clean all foods thoroughly.
-
Step 4
Order meats and seafood well-done. Avoid raw clams, oysters, mussels and other shellfish.
-
Step 5
Avoid mayonnaise, cheese, yogurt and other creamy products.
-
Step 6
Avoid fishing or eating fish from potentially polluted waters.
-
Step 7
Avoid food bought from street vendors.
-
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly before meals, after using rest rooms and before preparing food. Scrub with soap and use paper towels to turn off faucet handles and open doors.
-
Step 2
Use paper towels, not cloth towels, which can trap and carry germs.
-
Step 3
Brush your teeth with bottled or boiled water.
-
Step 4
Wash your hands after changing diapers.
-
Step 5
Clean bathrooms thoroughly and frequently, paying attention to toilets, toilet handles and diaper-changing tables.
