Hepatitis C transmission is blood-borne

• Get tested if you ever used injection or intranasal drugs; even one time.
• Get tested if you had a blood transfusion before 1992 or used blood products before 1987.
• Get tested if you were ever on hemodialysis or are a healthcare worker who had a needle stick.
• Get tested if you were born to a mother with hepatitis C.
• Get tested if you have had multiple sexual partners.
• Get tested if you have had tattoos or piercings done under unsterile conditions.

If you have shared drug paraphernalia; even one time

Get tested. All patients who may be infected with HCV should be tested for antibodies to HCV using an EIA (enzyme immunoassay) screening test. If positive, follow with an HCV/RNA by PCR. If RNA is detected, patient has virus. If undetected, follow with RIBA to confirm antibody is, or is not, a false positive.

If HIV positive

Get tested. Up to 30% of HIV patients are hepatitis C positive. Hepatitis C is spread more easily through injection drug use than HIV.

Encourage changes in lifestyle

Do not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes or marijuana. Keep weight in healthy range, exercise moderately, rest when tired and see the doctor to monitor liver health.

Encourage Disclosure of hepatitis C status

Tell spouse or significant other. Tell medical providers (doctor, dentist, lab technician, EMT).

Protect your liver

Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B. Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medication you are taking.

Protect others

Cover open wounds and clean up blood spills. Hepatitis C may live in dried blood up to 4 days. Encourage safer sex. Avoid blood in sexual encounters. Use latex barrier protection if not in a long term monogamous relationship. Do not share personal hygiene articles such as toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers.

There is no evidence that mode of delivery is related to transmission in HCV positive mothers.

Ninety-six percent of infants born to HCV positive mothers do not get the virus. They will have the antibodies but will lose them by 18 months of age. Mothers co-infected with HIV are more likely to transmit hepatitis C. There is no evidence that breastfeeding can transmit the virus. Bottle-feeding is recommended if nipples are cracked and bleeding.

Some Medications and Supplementals.

Check with a physician before taking any medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) or herbal remedies. No herbals have been shown to stop the progression or cure hepatitis C.

Support systems are important.

Many cities have support groups. There are also online support groups. These are good places to share information and experiences. However, these groups are typically not led by medical providers so check with your doctor about anything new that you learn.

If you do use drugs

Do not share needles or works, including cotton and water. Use sterile water and components. Clean injection site with new alcohol swab. Dispose of needles and syringes safely.

Treatment of hepatitis C does not prevent re-infection

Antibodies in hepatitis C patients are found in the blood for life, even when treatment is curative. However, these antibodies do not protect from another hepatitis C infection. Do not engage in risky behaviors. Remember hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus.

Treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin

Ribavirin is tetragenic and causes birth defects. Women of child-bearing age, on treatment, must use two forms of birth control. No pregnancy should occur until 6 months after treatment has ended. A husband or significant other on treatment should not impregnate a woman.

Empower your patients. YOU can make a difference!