How Do I Protect Myself against Hepatitis?

This may be a question that’s been on your mind if you’ve heard about the World Hepatitis Alliance’s new campaign: ‘Am I Number 12?’ (Sign up at www.aminumber12.org).

The answer is to be aware of the risks. Hepatitis is a viral infection which is mostly passed through blood-to-blood contact (also through sex and breastfeeding if the mother has Hepatitis); therefore you should never come into contact with someone else’s blood. Even if you are dealing with a minor wound of someone you know very well then wear gloves as Hepatitis is often asymptomatic (i.e. presents no symptoms) until it becomes chronic and life threatening and they may not know they have it. Common causes of infection are sharing needles (tattoo and drug), razors and toothbrushes.

The key to protecting yourself against Hepatitis is to reduce your exposure to the risks and to urge your friends and family to do the same.