Prevention
To prevent liver disease:
- Drink alcohol in moderation
For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger. Heavy or high-risk drinking is defined as more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks a week for women and for men older than age 65, and more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks a week for men age 65 and younger. - Avoid risky behavior
Get help if you use illicit intravenous drugs, and don’t share needles used to inject drugs. Use a condom during sex. If you choose to have tattoos or body piercings, be picky about cleanliness and safety when selecting a shop. - Get vaccinated
If you’re at increased risk of contracting hepatitis or if you’ve already been infected with any form of the hepatitis virus, talk to your doctor about getting the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines. - Use medications wisely
Take prescription and nonprescription drugs only when needed and only in recommended doses. Don’t mix medications and alcohol. Talk to your doctor before mixing herbal supplements or prescription or nonprescription drugs. - Avoid contact with other people’s blood and body fluids
Hepatitis viruses can be spread by accidental needle sticks or improper cleanup of blood or body fluids. - Take care with aerosol sprays
Make sure the room is ventilated, and wear a mask when spraying insecticides, fungicides, paint and other toxic chemicals. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. - Protect your skin
When using insecticides and other toxic chemicals, wear gloves, long sleeves, a hat and a mask. - Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity can cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.