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.
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