The liver is a multitasking organ, with many functions. Nearly all the blood that leaves the stomach and intestines passes through the liver for processing.

Aside from immunization, hand washing before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom or changing a baby's diaper remains one of the best preventions against getting or spreading hepatitis A virus.

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious, sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver, possibly causing lifelong liver infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer and death.

This guide can help you determine if you need to be immunized. Talk to your health care provider to be sure your immunizations are up to date.

Detailed information on immunizations for adults and children, including a current immunization schedule

An infant or young child who contracts hepatitis B is at greater risk of staying infected with the virus and of having life-long liver problems, such as scarring of the liver and liver cancer.

The only safe sex is no sex, most health care providers say. But certain precautions and safe behaviors can minimize a person's risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

Foodborne illness develops when certain harmful bacteria get into the food supply and cause disease. Millions of cases of foodborne illness occur each year, and most cases can be prevented.

Irradiation is slowly gaining consumer acceptance as a way to make foods safer. Foods are bathed with low levels of radiation, which kills such deadly bacteria as E. coli, campylobacter and salmonella.

There's nothing mysterious about taking preventive action; it's really just a matter of making healthy choices on a daily basis.

Many myths are associated with donating and receiving blood, including the threat of catching HIV, hepatitis, and other communicable diseases.

Immunizations aren't just for children. Adults need immunizations, too. Ask your doctor which of the following shots you may need.

The FDA notes that shellfish, especially mollusks, are more likely to cause foodborne illness than fish because shellfish pump water through their bodies.