Basic precautions can go a long way toward preventing infection with viral hepatitis. Vaccinations are among the most effective methods of preventing hepatitis A and B. The vaccine for hepatitis A is administered in two doses, six to 18 months apart. The hepatitis B vaccine is administered in three doses over a six-month period. In the United States, most states now require vaccination for hepatitis A and B during childhood, and many require prenatal screening for hepatitis B.

Vaccination for hepatitis A and B is recommended for:

• All children up to age 18
• Men who have sex with other men
• Drug users (including those who inject and those who do not)

Vaccination for hepatitis A is recommended for:

• People traveling in areas with high rates of hepatitis A
  
• Individuals with clotting-factor disorders such as hemophilia
  
• People with chronic liver disease
  
• Workers at daycare facilities during reported outbreaks of the hepatitis A virus.

Vaccination for hepatitis B is recommended for:

• People recently diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
  
• Individuals with sex partners who have chronic hepatitis B
  
• People with multiple sex partners
  
• Individuals who live with someone who has chronic hepatitis B
  
• People whose jobs expose them to human blood

There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, although this may change soon due to promising clinical trials. There is also no way to prevent a mother from passing the virus on to her child during pregnancy. However, people with hepatitis C infection are urged to get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. There is also no vaccine for hepatitis D and E, although it is recommended that individuals who have hepatitis D infection get vaccinated for hepatitis B.

Other ways to protect against viral hepatitis include:

• Get an immune globulin (IG) shot for hepatitis A and B. This offers short-term protection and is a good option for those traveling for less than four weeks in areas that have high levels of hepatitis A. This type of shot can help people for up to two weeks after they have been exposed to hepatitis A and B. Newborns may also be treated with an IG shot if the mother has symptoms of hepatitis A around the time of birth.
  
  
• Get tested for hepatitis B during pregnancy. Women who find they are positive for the virus should make sure their child receives hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) shot and vaccine within 12 hours of birth. Mothers should also make sure their child receives the third and final vaccine shot at 6 months of age. According to the American Liver Foundation, these measures prevent 90 percent to 95 percent of transmission of the hepatitis B virus and provide life-term protection for the child.
  
  
• Avoid drinking tap water or beverages with ice made from tap water in countries with unsafe water supplies. Also, be careful about eating uncooked foods – particularly raw shellfish and uncooked fruits or vegetables that are not peeled – when traveling internationally. This can lower the risk of contracting hepatitis A and E.
  
  
• Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing a diaper, and before preparing and eating food. This can lower the risk of infection with hepatitis A and E.
  
  
• Use latex condoms during sex. This can lower – but not eliminate – the risk of contracting hepatitis B, C and D.
  
  
• Avoid objects that have an infected person’s blood on them, which can transmit the hepatitis B, C and D viruses. This may include toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers and washcloths.
  
  
• Cover cuts and open sores.
  
  
• Use care when getting tattoos or body piercings. Tools infected with someone else’s blood can transmit the hepatitis B, C and D viruses.
  
  
• Safely handle needles and other sharps used on infected patients.
  
  
• Seek professional help to stop using intravenous drugs. Shared needles, syringes and other paraphernalia can transmit hepatitis B, C and D.

In addition, individuals who get hepatitis A one time cannot become reinfected with the virus. People who have hepatitis B can prevent the spread of the infection by not donating blood, tissues or organs.