Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Hepatitis treatment and prevention

How is viral hepatitis treated?

As with most viral infections, management depends on rest and good general health measures, while waiting for the infection to subside.

Blood tests will ensure that the liver is returning to normal. Alcohol and some types of medication should be avoided during this recovery period.

Those who cannot clear infection with Hepatitis B or C by themselves need to see a liver specialist. They may be offered tablets or injections to help the body clear the infection.

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Vaccination for Hepatitis A and B

Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccination. The hepatitis vaccine is freely available in sexual health services. Most centres use a combined vaccine given as three doses over three weeks then a final dose after a year.

Separate hepatitis vaccines are also available.

Hepatitis vaccination is especially recommended for men who have sex with men, anyone having sex with people from countries where Hepatitis B is more common, and those with multiple sexual partners.

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Prevention of Hepatitis C

There is NO vaccination available to prevent Hepatitis C.

Prevention of Hepatitis C relies on avoiding risky sex, not sharing needles or works, and avoiding any unclean medical procedures including piercings or tattoos.

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Avoiding hepatitis infections

The best way to avoid infection with viral hepatitis during sex is to:

• always use a condom for anal or vaginal sex
• always use a condom or dams for oral sex
• always use a dam or cut-up condom when licking or kissing someone's anus.

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