Prevention of Hepatitis C

Unlike hepatitis A and hepatitis B, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection. Thus, prevention of Hepatitis C efforts must rely on behavioral techniques. 

Persons who have injected illicit drugs, including those who injected only once or occasionally many years ago and who may not consider themselves to be drug users, should be tested for hepatitis C infection. Because of similar risk factors for infection, drug users should also be tested for HIV and hepatitis B. Those at risk should receive immunization for hepatitis A and B. Another prevention measure is for the persons with known HIV infection should be screened for HCV as well.

Regardless of test results, persons who use illicit drugs should use prevention measures to reduce their risk for acquiring infection or of potentially transmitting infection to others. Persons with multiple sex partners should be advised to use latex condoms.  Persons who test positive for Hepatitis C (HCV) should be given information regarding the need for preventing further harm to the liver, reducing risks for transmitting HCV to others, and obtaining medical evaluation and followup for chronic liver disease.  To protect the liver from further harm, HCV-infected persons should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, if susceptible, and should be strongly advised that even moderate alcohol consumption may adversely affect the progression of Hepatitis C. All persons should be advised not to use illicit drugs.  Prevention measures should be taken to prevent hepatitis C, which starts with behvaioral changes in the individual.

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