Hepatitis testing and prevention

Hepatitis can progress silently for years and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The types

• A — from contaminated food and water. A vaccine exists.
• B — through blood and body fluids. A vaccine exists. Common in Korea, and transmissible from mother to baby.
• C — through blood. No vaccine, but medication cures it in many cases.

Testing

• A blood test at a health centre or hospital.
• It is sometimes included in health check-ups. See health-checkup.
• If you are pregnant, it is checked in prenatal testing. Steps are needed to protect the baby. See prenatal-care.

Prevention

• Hepatitis B vaccination — recommended if you have no antibodies. At health centres and hospitals.
• Don't share needles, razors or toothbrushes.
• Have tattoos and piercings done where hygiene is assured.
• Use condoms.

If you are infected

• Have your liver monitored regularly. It can progress without symptoms.
• B is controlled with medication; C has curative treatment.
• Have liver ultrasound and blood tests at regular intervals.
• Alcohol is a heavy burden on the liver. Stopping is best.

Where to go

• Your local public health centre
• Gastroenterology or infectious disease clinics
• 1339 Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
• 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service (check-ups)
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation

Questions people ask

Should I test with no symptoms? Yes. Hepatitis progresses silently for a long time. Get tested at least once.

Can I pass it to my family? B and C spread through blood and body fluids. Have your family tested and check their vaccination.

Can it spread by eating together? B and C do not readily spread through ordinary meals. A can spread through food and water.

I'm worried about treatment costs. Some items are covered by health insurance and support schemes may apply. Ask a health centre and 1577-1000.

Take care

"I feel fine, I'll do it later" is the most dangerous stance. The liver gives no signal until damage is advanced. Test once, and if infected, never skip your regular check-ups.

Related

health-checkup · std-testing · hiv-testing · prenatal-care · vaccination-adults

Source

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency www.kdca.go.kr / As of 2026-08