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Treatment Options
Hepatitis C
Helping Yourself
An Ounce of Prevention . . .
Since no HCV vaccine has been developed, the best method of preventing hepatitis C is to minimize possible exposure to it. For example, health care workers should follow precautions to avoid contact with blood. All individuals should observe the following precautions:
- Consider the risks before getting a tattoo or body piercing. If possible, check that the equipment has been sterilized properly. Make sure the artist or piercer washes his hands and wears gloves.
- Do not inject street drugs.
- Do not share razors, toothbrushes, or any other personal hygiene products.
- Never reuse or share needles and syringes.
Protect Your Liver
In order to maximize liver function, protecting the liver is also important for all individuals, not just those who have been diagnosed with hepatitis C.
All individuals should:
- See a doctor for regular checkups
- Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- Get vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B
- Know the possible side effects of medications, including over-the-counter and herbal products that are being used.
Individuals infected with HCV should:
Avoid drinking alcohol. A recent study showed that drinking alcohol not only increased amounts of HCV, it also interfered with the effect of treatment for individuals with hepatitis C being treated with interferon.
Cover cuts or sores with bandages.
Drink at least 10 full glasses of water or clear juices without caffeine or alcohol every day unless a doctor has given other advice.
Eat regular and adequate meals. If nausea or lack of appetite is a problem, liquid dietary supplements may be added or several small meals may be eaten throughout the day.
Inform their sexual partner(s) that they have hepatitis C, because a small chance exists that HCV may be spread by sexual contact. The best way to prevent sexual transmission is through abstinence, but latex condoms may also offer protection. Sexual partners of individuals with hepatitis C should be vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Never donate blood, body organs, sperm, or any other body tissues.
Get Educated
Many misconceptions have circulated about hepatitis C. Knowing that HCV spreads only through blood and possibly sexual contact can help prevent its transmission.
Activities that will NOT transmit HCV include:
- Breast-feeding
- Coughing or sneezing
- Having everyday contact with an individual who has hepatitis C
- Hugging
- Sharing food, water, eating utensils, or drinking glasses
Get Support
At times, facing the symptoms and complications of hepatitis C can be extremely overwhelming. Many community health centers sponsor hepatitis support groups, however, and excellent resources are available on the internet, as well. Please visit these Web sites for more information about hepatitis C:
- Hepatitis C Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/
- The National Hepatitis C Coalition, Inc
http://nationalhepatitis-c.org/
- The Hepatitis C Association
http://www.hepcassoc.org/
Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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