Hepatitis A is the most common form of viral hepatitis, accounting for about 60% of all hepatitis cases diagnosed. It occurs when a person is infected by hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is commonly spread through the fecal-oral route which means it is spread through person-to-person contact and ingesting contaminated food or water.
Since hepatitis A infection is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, promoting a good personal hygiene and avoid direct contact with an infected person’s blood or stools are the best ways to prevent hepatitis A infection.
The following are some things that you can do to help you get started.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. This is very important especially when you’re going to preparing foods.
- Keep bathroom clean.
- Make sure all household utensils clean.
- Avoid using household utensils that a person with hepatitis A may touch or use.
- Avoid sexual contact with a person with hepatitis A.
- Avoid injected drug use. If you do, don’t share the needles.
- Drink water from trusted source only.
- Get vaccinated if you are traveling to countries with high rates of hepatitis A infection.
Unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A may be able to prevent hepatitis A by receiving injection with immune gobulin (IG) or the hepatitis A vaccine. However, it must be given within 2 weeks after exposure to be effective.