How to Prevent Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus causes liver inflammation and, in 5 to 10 percent of infected people, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and possibly liver cancer. Virus transmission occurs through shared bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, saliva and tears). About 200,000 people in the United States become infected each year, with high infection rates among African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Latex Gloves
• Lubricated Latex Condoms
• Men's Razors
• Toothbrushes
• Three-shot Vaccinations

1. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B. Vaccination provides immunity for at least five years. People in high-risk groups, as well as all newborns, infants and teenagers (especially sexually active ones), are urged to get the vaccine.

2. Follow the vaccination schedule, which involves three shots. The second shot should be administered one month after the first; the third one six months later.

3. Wear gloves and dispose of syringes properly if you are a person who works with blood at your job (medical personnel, laboratory researchers, police officers and those in related fields).

4. Practice safe sex and use condoms, especially if your partner carries (or is at high risk for) hepatitis B.

5. Avoid sharing toothbrushes and razors with other people.

6. Try to limit sharing foods with other people, especially foods that involve a high potential for saliva exchange (such as chewing gum and drinks).

7. Check that all equipment used for body piercing and tattooing is sterile.

Tips & Warnings

• People at high risk for hepatitis B include those who work with blood on the job, have hemophilia or require blood transfusions, share intravenous drug needles, have multiple sexual partners, are sexually active homosexual or bisexual men or live with a person with long-term hepatitis B infection. People at high risk should be vaccinated.