Prevent Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that is contracted through contact with infected blood. It is curable, but could cause serious health problems if not detected and treated early. The best way to control the spread of HCV is to prevent spreading the virus, if you have it already, and avoid coming into contact with it, if you don't, by avoiding blood contact.

Avoiding Hepatitis C

• Avoid direct contact with blood or fluids if you work in a medical field. Always wear protective clothing, including gloves, and dispose of sharp objects or contaminated objects properly. If you work in another field using dangerous equipment, be sure to follow all safety precautions designated by your employer and OSHA.
• Never share needles, straws, or other equipment used with illicit drugs. Anything that comes into contact with your body should be kept personal, especially injecting needles. Straws and other items used to take cocaine or crushed prescription medicine can also transmit HCV since snorting often causes bleeding in the nose.
• If you do drugs, it’s best to stop immediately and get into a treatment program. If you can’t stop, make your priority using only your own personal equipment as a first step in putting your health first.
• Don’t share items used for personal hygiene. Blood can be transmitted through razors, scissors, nail clippers, and even toothbrushes (from bleeding gums). Avoid sharing any personal care items with anyone you know has HCV, and be sure to clean scissors and clippers with soap and water if used by others.
• Get tattoos and piercings only from licensed practitioners. Make sure they sterilize all equipment used between customers with an autoclave. Also ask if they use new needles and ink wells for each customer.
• There are chemicals that can be used to clean tattooing and piercing equipment, but an autoclave is the safest and best method of doing so.

Practice safe sex. 

• Although not often transmitted through sexual activity, hepatitis C may be spread this way in special cases.
•  Risk factors include having an STD, HIV, multiple partners, or engaging in rough sex practices.
• Men having sex with other men should always use condoms for intercourse.
• Always use condoms if having sex during your or your partner’s menstrual period or if one of you has an open sore on the genitals.

Stopping the Spread of Hepatitis C

• Get tested if you have risk factors. You can carry and transmit the virus even if you have no symptoms. 

Get tested for Hepatitis C if any of the following apply to you:

• You had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992.
• You used blood products to treat hemophilia before 1987.
• You have had long-term dialysis.
• You’ve had many sexual partners.
• You have ever used intravenous drugs or shared other drug equipment.
• You have evidence of liver disease, like an abnormal liver test.
• You were born between 1945 and 1965. Even if you have no known risk factors, baby boomers should be tested at least once.
• You were born to a mother with HCV.
• You work in the health care profession and have had contact with contaminated equipment through a needle stick.
• You have HIV.

Get Treatment for Hepatitis C | See a doctor for treatment. 

• There are two types of Hepatitis C—short-term, or acute, and long-term, or chronic. For acute infections, doctors often recommend bed rest, increasing fluid intake, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol.Chronic infections typically need antivirals and/or other medications.
• Chronic infections are defined as lasting 6 months or longer. About 70%-85% of people with HCV develop long-term infections that can lead to serious health problems, including death.
• Treatment depends on the extent of any damage caused by the virus, other health conditions, and the strain of Hepatitis C you have.
• Avoid letting others come into contact with your blood. Cover any cuts or blisters with bandages and dispose of them carefully. Wash your hands and any objects that come into contact with your blood with soap and water.
• Use bleach to clean up any spilled blood, including dried blood. Mix one part bleach with 10 parts water to make a cleaning solution. Wear gloves to prevent direct contact and absorb any liquid with paper towels. Apply bleach solution to object or area and let stand or soak for 20 minutes. Wipe with paper towels and let dry.
• Dispose of paper towels and anything else used to sop up contaminated materials in a sealed container.
• Avoid sharing personal items. Don’t share hygiene equipment with family or roommates.
• Tell those you live with about your infection to avoid accidental contact.
• If you get services using this type of equipment, like manicures, pedicures, haircuts, make sure the salon or business follows appropriate sterilization techniques.
• Practice safe sex. If you have hepatitis C, always use a condom when engaging in intercourse.
• If you have HIV, the chances of getting hepatitis C are higher, so make sure you get tested and tell all partners about both infections before engaging in intercourse.
• Stop breastfeeding if your nipples are cracked and bleeding. You can resume breastfeeding when they have healed.

Warnings

• If you suspect you may have hepatitis C, see your doctor. Hepatitis C requires a professional diagnosis.
• Testing of pregnant women for hepatitis C is not routine for prenatal care. If you are pregnant have risk factors for the virus, be tested by a doctor.
• Those who are infected with hepatitis C can decrease damage to the liver by avoiding alcohol and Use Herbal Supplements Safely|over-the-counter drugs and Choose Vitamin Supplements|supplements that have been found to cause liver damage.
• Hepatitis is a hardy virus that can live a long time outside of the body.