Hepatitis C

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HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM GETTING HEP C AND OTHER DISEASES SPREAD BY CONTACT WITH HUMAN BLOOD?

Don't ever shoot drugs. If you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program. If you can't stop, never reuse or share syringes, water, or drug works, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal care articles. They might have blood on them.

If you are a health care worker, always follow routine barrier protection precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps .Get Vaccinated against Hep B.

Consider the health risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. You can get infected if: the tools that are used have someone else's blood on them./'or the artist or piercer doesn't follow good health practices, such as washing hands and using disposable gloves.

HCV CAN BE SPREAD BY SEX, BUT THIS DOES NOT OCCUR VERY OFTEN. IF YOU ARE HAVING SEX, BUT NOT WITH ONE STEADY PARTNER:
You and your partners can get other diseases spread by having sex (e.g., AIDS, Hep B gonorrhea and chlamydia) sound familiar?

Use latex condoms. The efficacy of latex condoms in preventing infections with Hep C is unknown, but their proper use may reduce transmission.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
The surest way to prevent the spread of any disease by sex is not to have sex at all.

HEP C IS NOT SPREAD BY:

Breast feeding, hugging, sneezing, coughing, food or water, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, casual contact.
Many people who are at risk for Hep C are at risk for Hep A and B. Check with your Doctor to see if you should get vaccinated.