Hepatitis B is a type of liver disease caused by a virus. Typically an infant or child is given the hep B vaccine to prevent developing this infection. When the virus enters the body, it can cause serious liver problems that may result in liver failure and even death, states the World Health Organization. Whether a child has been vaccinated against hep B or not, it is important to discuss the best ways to prevent contracting the illness. It is not a virus that is spread through casual contact the way a cold may be.
Step 1
Sit the child down to talk about germs. Use words that are age appropriate. Children in elementary school may not need to understand hep B or its effects. Instead, a caregiver can focus on avoiding sharing saliva, blood and sexual fluids when appropriate.
Step 2
Tell the child that very dangerous germs are found in the blood, saliva, sexual fluids or fecal matter of other individuals. Caregivers should use discretion when talking about certain fluids that may not be important for the child to learn about at his age.
Step 3
Warn the child to avoid touching blood from another person, such as from an injury. Tell the child not to share toothbrushes or any other personal item that may have blood on it, states the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Step 4
Teach the child how to wash her hands adequately. This consists of using warm water, soap and rubbing the hands together for the length of time required to sing the "Happy Birthday" song once or the alphabet twice. Show the child how to rinse and dry the hands thoroughly.
Tips and Warnings
- Discuss condom use if it is appropriate. Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual intercourse. Warn the child about catching hep B through drug needles, piercings or tattoos if he is old enough to be involved in such activities.
