Protect yourself from illness, including hepatitis A
The spread of illnesses like flu, stomach flu, and many others can be stopped with proper handwashing. Recently, there is an increase of hepatitis A in our county among people who are homeless, use drugs, or have recently been in jail. Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus can spread when food and drink are prepared without washing hands first, and from intimate contact. Hepatitis A can be a mild illness lasting a few weeks or a serious illness lasting many months.
To prevent the spread of illnesses like the flu and hepatitis A, you should regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water:
- After using the bathroom
- After changing a diaper
- Before preparing food
Wash your hands on both sides for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday". This is the best way to make sure you wash your hands long enough.
For more information on hepatitis A
Download the flyer in your preferred language:
If you are not sure of your risk for hepatitis A
Call our 24/7 nurse advice line:
- Medi-Cal and Healthy Kids members, call 1-877-509-0294.
- Cal MediConnect members, call 1-844-803-6962.
Or, see your doctor.
And remember–wash your hands on both sides for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday to protect yourself from getting sick from colds, flu, and other illnesses!
Where can I get a hepatitis A shot?
Download the information here:
To learn more about hepatitis A, visit Santa Clara County Public Health's website at www.sccphd.org/hep-a.