Preventing Hepatitis C
Hepatitis
C Fact Sheet
(PDF 17 KB)
Hepatitis C occurs when a person comes into contact with blood or
other bodily fluids infected with the hepatitis C virus. The
highest risk for transmission is among people that inject drugs and
share needles.
There is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C like there is for other
hepatitis viruses like hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Persons that inject drugs should always avoid sharing needles.
In addition, needles should be placed directly into sharps containers
after their use.
You should never try to 're-cap' used needles.
Rapidly clean blood from surfaces and objects, and disinfect using a
bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or other approved
disinfectant.
Wear plastic, latex, or rubber gloves when touching anything
contaminated with blood-tinged body fluids or when in contact with other bodily secretions.
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Prevention Recommendations
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Do not share needles.
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Use plastic, latex or rubber gloves when handling
blood-contaminated objects or surfaces.
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Thoroughly wash hands and surfaces if they become
contaminated with blood.
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Do not share personal toiletries.
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Avoid unprotected sex.
Special Note
Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water if they become
contaminated with blood.
Double-bag disposable, blood-contaminated items before discarding.
Avoid sharing personal items such as washcloths, razors,
toothbrushes.
Hepatitis C can be spread during sex, although this does not occur
very frequently. The use of latex condoms can further reduce
the risk of transmission through sex.
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