While vaccination is considered the most successful preventive measure against hepatitis A and B, unfortunately, no vaccine is available for hepatitis C as yet. Vaccination can provide protection for as many as 20 years, and, according to World Health Organisation, it is 95pc effective against chronic infections.

The age bracket for immunisation is from the age of one to 18; however, it’s best to get children immunised at the earliest.

“To protect oneself against hepatitis C, one should prevent exposure to risk factors,” advises Dr Saeed Hamid at Aga Khan University Hospital. Such factors include, blood transfer, sharing needles, and using any personal items like toothbrush, shaving blade, towel, handkerchief, earrings and body rings, etc., of an infected person.

Since direct contact with blood and bodily fluids of an infected person is what causes hepatitis, sexual contact with such a person and body piercing by needles that are not sterilised is a pretty straight route to the disease. Therefore,  safe sexual practice and sterile needles used during blood transfusion and body piercing ensure prevention of the disease. If a person feels that s/he has been exposed to hepatitis, it would be a good idea to get a few tests done. Since hepatitis A and E are caused by ingestion of contaminated water and food, it’s best to boil drinking water and eat food cooked under hygienic conditions.  —S.R.