The forms of transmission of hepatitis vary according to the related virus, which can happen through sexual intercourse without a condom, contact with blood, some contaminated secretions or sharp objects, and even through the consumption of contaminated water or food, which that's what happens in hepatitis A.
To prevent all types of hepatitis it is important to adopt preventive measures, such as vaccines, which are available for hepatitis A and B, use of condoms during sexual intercourse, avoid reusing single-use materials such as needles, and avoid consuming raw foods and water untreated. In this way it is possible to prevent the development of hepatitis, which is a disease characterized by inflammation in the liver that increases the risk of the person developing liver cancer and cirrhosis, for example.
How to prevent hepatitis A
Transmission of hepatitis A occurs through the consumption of water and food contaminated by the hepatitis A virus, HAV. Contamination also occurs when there is a lack of basic sanitation, allowing the feces of contaminated people to reach rivers, springs or even plantations, and that is why it is common for many people infected with hepatitis A in the same locality.
Therefore, to prevent hepatitis A, it is important to pay attention to modes of transmission, and it is recommended:
- Take the hepatitis A vaccine, according to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health; Have good hygiene habits by washing your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the bathroom. Here's how to wash your hands well. Avoid raw food and disinfect food well before eating, leaving the food to soak in chlorinated water for 10 minutes; Prefer cooked or grilled foods because this way viruses are eliminated; Drink only drinking water: mineral, filtered or boiled and take the same precautions when making juices, and avoid drinking water, juice, popsicles, sacolé, ice cream and salads that may have been prepared in poor hygiene.
The people most at risk of contracting the hepatitis A virus are hepatitis C carriers, residents of regions with poor basic sanitation and children, and when they are infected, they increase the risk of contaminating parents, siblings and teachers.
How to prevent hepatitis B and C
The hepatitis B virus, HBV, and the hepatitis C virus, HCV, can be transmitted from person to person through contact with blood or secretions from people who are infected with any of these viruses. To prevent these types of hepatitis, it is important to adopt some measures, such as:
- Get the hepatitis B vaccine, although there is still no vaccine against hepatitis C; Use a condom in all intimate contact; Require new disposable material whenever performing piercings, tattoos and acupuncture; Do not use injectable drugs or use sterile material; Do not share personal items with a manicure kit and razor blade; Always wear disposable gloves if you are going to help or treat someone's wounds.
Hepatitis B and C can also be transmitted by health professionals such as a doctor, nurse or dentist, when he is infected and does not follow all safety rules such as wearing gloves whenever he comes in contact with blood, secretions or using instruments that they can cut the skin, for example.
Why hepatitis should be avoided
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which does not always show symptoms and therefore the person may be infected and pass the disease on to others. Thus, it is recommended that everyone follow these safety rules throughout their lives to avoid being infected and the transmission of hepatitis to others.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver which, even with the proper treatment, is not always curable, and this increases the risk of liver complications such as cirrhosis, ascites and liver cancer, for example. Learn more about hepatitis.
