Nov
8
Hepatitis A - What Increases Your Risk
November 8, 2009 |
What Increases Your Risk
People who practice certain behaviors or have certain jobs are at higher risk for hepatitis A. If you are a member of a high-risk group, you should receive the hepatitis A vaccineClick here to view a form.(What is a PDF document?) .
Risk factors for hepatitis A include:
* Eating food that has been prepared by someone who is infected with the hepatitis A virus and who has poor hygiene.
* Eating raw or undercooked shellfish (such as oysters or clams).
* Eating uncooked food (such as unpeeled fruits or vegetables) or drinking tap water or well water while traveling in countries where hepatitis A is common.
* Living in a community where hepatitis A is common and outbreaks occur (largely a risk factor for young children).
* Living in a household with someone who has hepatitis A.
Lifestyle factors that increase your risk for hepatitis A include:
* Traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common.
* Being a man who has sex with men.
