This article was co-authored by Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi is an Academic Hepatologist, a Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, and the Director of Clinical Hepatology at IU Health. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Vuppalanchi runs a clinical practice and provides care to patients with various liver disorders at the University Hospital in Indianapolis. He completed dual fellowships in Clinical Pharmacology and Gastroenterology-Hepatology at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Association for Study of Liver Diseases and the American College of Gastroenterology. His patient-oriented research is dedicated to finding new treatments for various liver disorders as well as the use of diagnostic tests for non-invasive estimation of liver fibrosis (transient elastography) and portal hypertension (spleen stiffness).
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Hepatitis C (HCV) is a liver infection caused by a virus. To get it, you have to come in contact with an infected person's blood.[1] Hepatitis C can become a serious issue if left untreated, so if you do contract it, get it checked out immediately. It is curable, but could cause serious health problems if not detected and treated early.
Steps
Avoiding Hepatitis C
Avoid direct contact with blood or fluids if you work in a medical field.[2] Always wear protective clothing, including gloves, and dispose of sharp objects or contaminated objects properly.[3] If you work in another field using dangerous equipment, be sure to follow all safety precautions designated by your employer and OSHA.[4]
Never share illicit drug paraphernalia such as needles, snorting straws, etc.[5] 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.[6]- 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.
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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.[7]
Get tattoos and piercings only from licensed practitioners. Keep in mind that a reputable artist will open their instruments in front of you. The instruments should be sealed in plastic and the artist should open them in your presence to show that they are new and have not been used on someone else. 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.
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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:[8]- 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.
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.[9]- 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. [10]- 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.- A baby can contract hepatitis C from their mother. Talk to your doctor if you have hepatitis C and are pregnant.
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Expert Q&A
Tips
- Effective medications exist for curing hepatitis C. If you think you've been exposed, see your doctor for treatment.[11]Thanks
- Keep in mind that Hepatitis C does not spread through everyday contact, such as hugging, kissing, or holding hands.Thanks
- Make sure to follow a healthy diet and avoid drinking alcohol if you have hepatitis C.Thanks
Warnings
- Hepatitis is a hardy virus that can live a long time outside of the body.Thanks
- Do not donate semen, blood, tissue, or organs if you have hepatitis C.Thanks
- If you suspect you may have hepatitis C, see your doctor. Hepatitis C requires a professional diagnosis.Thanks
- Testing of pregnant people for hepatitis C is not routine for prenatal care. If you are pregnant have risk factors for the virus, be tested by a doctor.Thanks
- Those who are infected with hepatitis C can decrease damage to the liver by avoiding alcohol and over-the-counter drugs and supplements that have been found to cause liver damage.Thanks
References
- ↑ Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Academic Hepatologist. Expert Interview. 28 October 2020.
- ↑ Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Academic Hepatologist. Expert Interview. 28 October 2020.
- ↑ http://www.sfcdcp.org/hepatitisc.html
- ↑ https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/
- ↑ Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Academic Hepatologist. Expert Interview. 28 October 2020.
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/understanding-hepatitis-c-prevention
- ↑ http://www.sfcdcp.org/hepatitisc.html
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/guidelinesc.htm
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm#section4
- ↑ http://www.sfcdcp.org/hepatitisc.html
- ↑ Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Academic Hepatologist. Expert Interview. 28 October 2020.
About this article
To prevent Hepatitis C, avoid sharing personal hygiene items, like toothbrushes, nail clippers, or razors, with anyone who you know has the disease, since blood can be transmitted by these items. You should also always wear gloves and protective clothing if you’re working in a medical field so you don’t come into contact with contaminated blood or fluids. If you use elicit drugs, never share needles or snorting straws, since this may transfer the disease. In order to prevent Hepatitis from spreading, cover any cuts or blisters with bandages if you've been diagnosed with Hepatitis C. Additionally, clean up any spilled blood with bleach, which will stop the disease from being transferred to others. For tips from our Medical co-author, including how to get tested for Hepatitis C, read on!
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