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Are You
At Risk?
Hepatitis C is spread
through exposure to HCV-infected blood. This may occur through
intravenous (IV) drug use, intranasal drug use, a transfusion with
HCV-infected blood, contaminated hemodialysis equipment, high risk sexual
behavior, needlestick injuries, contaminated tattooing or body piercing
equipment, and in other ways.
it is not spread by hugging
an infected person, sharing a meal with them, or most other day to day
contact. Hepatitis C is a blood borne illness which requires blood
to blood contact for you to become infected.
It does, however, live for
a long time outside the human body. Therefore it is not safe to
share personal items like razors or toothbrushes (especially if you
have bleeding gums).
You
should contact your medical care provider for a blood test if you:
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Have injected illegal
drugs, even once many years ago. |
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Received a blood
transfusion or solid organ transplant before 1992 |
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Were a recipient of
clotting factor(s) made before 1987 |
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Have ever been on long
term kidney dialysis |
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Have evidence of liver
disease (e.g., persistently abnormal ALT levels) |
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Have ever been in prison
or jail |
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Were notified that you
received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C |
...or if, for any reason,
you suspect you might have been exposed.
Prevention
Although there is no
vaccine, hepatitis C can be prevented:
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If you use intravenous (IV)
drugs: never share needles, syringes, cottons, cookers or water;
and get vaccinated against hepatitis A & B.
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Do not share personal care
items that might have blood on them (razors, toothbrushes)
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If you are a health care or
public safety worker, always follow routine barrier precautions and safely
handle needles and other sharps. get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
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Make sure sterile
instruments are used when getting a manicure, tattoo or body piercing.
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