Hepatitis C Prevention

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. The hepatitis C virus is also known as the HCV virus. Hepatitis C transmission usually occurs through blood transfusions, hemodialysis, and needle sticks. HCV is responsible for most transfusion-associated hepatitis C. Cirrhosis and cancer can result from damage done to the liver by the hepatitis C virus.

There is no cure or vaccine for hepatitis C. There is only prevention. If you wish to avoid becoming infected with hepatitis C, take the following prevention steps:

Hepatitis C Prevention Tip 1: Do not use intravenous drugs. If you shoot drugs, stop and seek the help of a treatment program. If you can't stop, never share needles, syringes, water. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A & B.

Hepatitis C Prevention Tip 2: Do not share personal care items that might have blood on them, like razors and toothbrushes.

Hepatitis C Prevention Tip 3: If you are a health care or public safety worker, always follow routine barrier precautions. Be sure to handle needles and other sharp objects carefully and safely. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C Prevention Tip 4: If you are thinking about getting a tattoo or having a body part pierced, be extremely careful. You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood.

Hepatitis C Prevention Tip 5: Hepatitis C can be spread by sexual contact, but this is rare. If you are having sex with more than one steady sex partner, it's recommended that you use latex condoms correctly, and use them every time you have intercourse. You should also get vaccinated against hepatitis B. If you are HCV positive, do not donate blood, organs, or tissue.

Some patients with hepatitis C benefit from treatment with interferon alpha or a combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin.

Rest may be recommended during the acute phase of the disease when the symptoms are most severe.

People with hepatitis C should also be careful not to take vitamins, nutritional supplements, or new over-the-counter medications without first discussing it with a doctor.

Any substance that's toxic to the liver, or hepatotoxic, can be dangerous for someone who has been infected by hepatitis C. You should stop drinking alcohol. Even moderate amounts of alcohol can be dangerous because they speed up the progression of hepatitis C. Alcohol reduces the effectiveness of hepatitis C treatment.