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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

There's no easy prevention for most cases of myocarditis. The risk is rare, but you can take some steps to decrease your risk and the risk to others:

  • Avoid people who have a viral or flu-like illness until they have recovered. If you're sick with viral symptoms, try to avoid exposing others.
  • Follow good hygiene. Regular hand washing is a good way to help prevent spreading illness.
  • Avoid risky behaviors. To minimize your likelihood of contracting an HIV-related myocardial infection, practice safe sex and don't use illicit drugs.
  • Dress sensibly for the outdoors. If you spend time in tick-infested areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover as much of your skin as possible. Apply tick or insect repellents that contain DEET.
  • Get your immunizations. Stay up to date on the recommended immunizations, including those that protect against rubella and influenza, which can cause myocarditis.

DS00521

March 15, 2008

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