Hepatitis C is a disease that affects the liver. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are 17,000 new hepatitis C infections every year. In 75 to 85 percent of hepatitis C cases, it becomes a chronic condition for the person infected. This leads to liver complications such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. Hepatitis C is a virus that is transmitted through blood, so it is important to take precautions to prevent infection.
Do Not Share Needles
Needles used to inject illicit drugs, steroids or cosmetics can transmit hepatitis C and other serious infections. Injecting drugs or steroids is not healthy for you and there are a host of health consequences. If you do decide to participate in these activities, you should not be sharing needles, because this increases your chances of acquiring or transmitting hepatitis C and HIV.
Do Not Share Personal Items
Sharing toothbrushes, razors, nail-cutting equipment or other personal items that might have been in contact with another person's blood can put you at risk for hepatitis C. You should use your own items and use your common sense when making a choice to use someone else's personal items. If you share personal items with someone, you can end up sharing diseases.
Don't Have Unprotected Sex
Having sex without a condom increases your risk for hepatitis C. It is not common to spread the disease this way, but it is possible. Having multiple partners or rough sex also increases your chances. Having unprotected sex also increases your chances for acquiring HIV.
Do Not Get Tattoos in an Unlicensed Facility
If you are getting a tattoo or piercing, make sure it is in a licensed facility where artists are using disposable equipment and there are sanitary conditions. Unsanitary instruments that might have someone else's blood on them put you at risk for exposure to various diseases, including hepatitis C.
Use Standard Precautions in Healthcare Settings
Understanding the concepts of bloodborne pathogens and the risks in your profession are important. When working as a healthcare provider, you should know what the risks are in your facility and how to prevent getting infected. For example, using gloves, gowns and face masks when there is a potential for exposure can protect you from hepatitis C, while using the proper method for disposal of sharps is key to preventing a needle stick injury and exposure to someone else's blood that might be infected.
