Prevention:

The following tips can help reduce your risk of spreading or catching the virus:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom and when you come in contact with an infected person's blood, stools, or other bodily fluid
• Avoid unclean food and water

The virus may spread more rapidly through daycare centers and other places where people are in close contact. Thorough hand-washing before and after each diaper change, before serving food, and after using the restroom may help prevent such outbreaks.

Immune globulin should be given to people in close contact with people with hepatitis A, unless the person is already immune to the virus.

Vaccines that protect against hepatitis A infection are available. The vaccine begins to protect 4 weeks after receiving the first dose; the 6- to 12-month booster is required for long-term protection. See: Hepatitis A vaccine

Travelers should take the following precautions:

• Avoid dairy products.
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish.
• Beware of sliced fruit that may have been washed in contaminated water. Travelers should peel all fresh fruits and vegetables themselves.
• Do not buy food from street vendors.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A (and possibly hepatitis B) if traveling to countries where outbreaks of the disease occur.
• Use only carbonated bottled water for brushing teeth and drinking. (Remember that ice cubes can carry infection.)
• If no water is available, boiling water is the best method for eliminating hepatitis A. Bringing the water to a full boil for at least 1 minute generally makes it safe to drink.
• Heated food should be hot to the touch and eaten right away.