Prevention (Vaccination)

Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis A is best prevented by vaccination. This is important if you are travelling to developing countries or have chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis B is best prevented by vaccination.

Hepatitis C

• No vaccination is currently available.

How to Prevent Hepatitis (Lifestyle)

Hepatitis A

• Practice good hygiene
• Wash your hands with soap before and after meals
• Properly cook shellfish before consumption
• Adopt good food handling practices

Hepatitis B & C

• Avoid having multiple sex partners
• Have protected sex
• Avoid sharing of needles, sharp instruments, toothbrushes with individuals who are unsure of their Hepatitis status
• Avoid blood, tissue, organs or semen donation if you are a Hepatitis carrier
• Go to reliable operations for acupuncture, body piercing and tattooing services
• Have regular checks with your doctor

Treatment

Hepatitis A

• No specific medication
• Most people recover after two weeks of medication to relive symptoms and bed rest

Hepatitis B

The treatment of Hepatitis B carriers include:

• Blood tests, ultrasonography of the liver and fibroscan to assess the severity of the liver disease.
• Drugs that effectively suppress viral replication and prevent further liver damage.
• Surveillance for liver cancer, given the greater risk amongst Hepatitis B carriers compare to non-carriers.
• Blood test and ultrasound scans are recommended one to two times per year.

Hepatitis C

• High recovery rates can be achieved with current treatment options. Three months of oral pills is the standard treatment for Hepatitis C.
• When virus is eliminated early, cirrhosis and the risk of liver cancer can be prevented.