How to Prevent Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes liver inflammation and is spread by contact with infected blood ' usually through broken skin or mucous membrane. Most people with HCV remain infected for the rest of their lives and have some amount of liver damage, which can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer over several decades.
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Instructions
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Wear gloves and handle and dispose of needles properly if you are a health-care worker who is frequently exposed to blood.
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Practice safe sex and use condoms, particularly if you have multiple sexual partners. HCV can be spread by sex, though this kind of transmission is not very common. Women should avoid intercourse during menstruation.
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Check that sterile needles are used for any ear or body piercing, tattooing, acupuncture or electrolysis.
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Avoid injecting drugs or sharing intravenous drug needles.
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Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or any other item that may have come into contact with blood.
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Consider getting tested for hepatitis C if you believe you are at risk (see the Tips, below).
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Tips & Warnings
Consider getting tested for hepatitis C if you received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before February 1990, were treated for clotting problems with a blood product made before 1987, have been on long-term kidney dialysis, have shared drug needles, have symptoms of liver disease (fatigue, nausea), are a health-care worker who handles or otherwise is exposed to blood, have served in the armed forces, have served time in prison, or have engaged in high-risk sexual activity (unprotected sex with multiple partners).
There is no vaccine against hepatitis C at this time.
