A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a community group about the prevention of viral hepatitis. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Limit time spent around individuals who have a productive cough: Hepatitis is not spread through respiratory droplets. This advice is more relevant to respiratory infections like influenza. B. Avoid washing fresh vegetables to prevent the removal of nutrients: Washing vegetables is essential to remove contaminants. Unwashed vegetables can carry hepatitis A virus, so this statement is unsafe. C. Thoroughly cook foods prepared with tap water: Hepatitis A and E can be transmitted through contaminated water and food. Cooking food properly reduces the risk of infection. D. Wear a mask when in crowded places: Masks do not prevent hepatitis transmission because the virus is not airborne; transmission is primarily fecal–oral or bloodborne depending on the type.