Preventing Liver Disease
Many liver diseases can be prevented or managed early. Looking after your liver now can help reduce your risk of liver disease, liver cancer, and other serious health problems later in life.
Simple steps can make a big difference:
- Get vaccinated
- Know your hepatitis status
- Reduce alcohol-related harm
- Use sterile injecting equipment
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
- Be mindful of medications and supplements
- Access regular health checks
The earlier you take care of your liver, the better.
Vaccination
Vaccines can help protect your liver from some types of viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can cause long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The good news is that it can be prevented with vaccination.
You may benefit from vaccination if you:
- Have never been vaccinated
- Are unsure of your vaccination status
- Work in a trade where you may be exposed to cuts
- Live with someone who has hepatitis B
- Work in healthcare or community services
- Have a higher risk of exposure through sex or blood contact
Talk to your GP or local health service about hepatitis B testing and vaccination. Our team can also help point you in the right direction.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a virus that can affect the liver. Unlike hepatitis B and C, it does not cause chronic infection, but it can still make you seriously unwell.
Vaccination may be recommended if you:
- Travel overseas to certain countries
- Have chronic liver disease
- Have hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- Are at increased risk through work or lifestyle factors
If you’re unsure whether you need a hepatitis A vaccine, speak with a healthcare professional.
What about Hepatitis C?
There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. However, hepatitis C is curable. Most people can clear the virus with a short course of tablets with minimal side effects.
The first step is knowing your status. Hepatitis ACT offers point-of-care testing for hepatitis C – a simple finger prick test with results available the same day. No referral needed.
If you test positive, we can support you to access treatment. Contact us to find out more.
Want to know more?
If you have questions about your liver health, hepatitis testing, or any of the topics on this page, we’re here to help.
Hepatitis ACT provides:
- Point-of-care hepatitis C testing (same-day results, no referral needed)
- Information and referral for hepatitis B testing and vaccination
- Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) in Turner, ACT
- Peer support and community education
- Outreach services across the ACT
- Resources for multicultural communities
Our team works with people from all backgrounds and experiences, without judgement. Get in touch to find out how we can support you.
Safer Injecting
Using sterile injecting equipment helps protect against hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne infections.
If you inject drugs:
- Always use new needles and syringes
- Never share injecting equipment, including spoons, filters, or water
- Use sterile water and supplies
- Dispose of used equipment safely
Safer injecting is an important way to protect your liver and your overall health and it is something we support without judgement.
Hepatitis ACT runs a Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) at our office in Turner, ACT. You can drop in to collect sterile supplies and safely dispose of used equipment.
For practical safer injecting information, visit the Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL).
Reducing Alcohol Harms
Your liver processes alcohol every time you drink. Overtime, drinking too much alcohol can cause:
- Fatty liver disease
- Liver inflammation
- Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
- Liver cancer
The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk of harm.
If you already have liver disease, reducing or stopping alcohol can help protect your liver from further damage.
Support is available if cutting back feels difficult. Talk to your GP or healthcare team about options that may work for you.
Medications and Supplements
Some common medications and supplements can affect your liver, including over-the-counter pain relief and some herbal or natural products.
This doesn’t mean you need to avoid them, but it is important to:
- Always let your doctor or pharmacist know what you are taking
- Follow recommended doses
- Avoid mixing medications with alcohol without checking first
- Tell your healthcare team if you have existing liver disease, as this may affect what is safe for you
If you have questions about how a medication or supplement might affect your liver, speak with your GP or pharmacist.
Metabolic Health and Diabetes
Your liver and your metabolic health are closely connected. Certain health conditions can increase your risk of developing fatty liver disease, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Carrying excess weight
The good news is that small lifestyle changes can help. Consider:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Being physically active
- Managing your blood sugar levels
- Attending regular health checks
- Working with your healthcare team on a plan that suits you
Looking after your overall health also helps protect your liver.