Hepatitis B is very preventable in the developed world thanks to the ubiquity of several hepatitis B vaccines. One is a part of the routine injections given to newborns during the first six months of life while another can be given in two does to adolescents between ages 11 and 15. Both vaccines are more than 90 percent effective at preventing infection on subsequent exposure to HBV.

You can also take some simple measures to lower your risk of contracting hepatitis B, including:

• Practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom.
• Don’t use I.V. drugs; if you do, don’t share needles with anyone else.
• Don’t share products that may have bodily fluids on them with other people (e.g. toothbrushes, razors).
• If you get a piercing or tattoo, make sure the person practices safe, sterile methods.
• If you are a healthcare worker, follow precautions for the safe handling of needles and sharps.
• If you plan to travel internationally to a place where hepatitis B is common, tell your doctor well ahead of time so you can be vaccinated in advance.
• If you’re pregnant, get tested for hepatitis B so you can prevent passing the infection to your baby during delivery.

If you know you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B virus, such as if you recently had unprotected sex with someone who has hepatitis B or if you were stuck with a needle from a patient with hepatitis B, you can prevent the virus form taking hold in your body. If you receive an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin (antibodies against the virus) within 24 hours of exposure, you may be able to prevent the virus from infecting your liver cells.