HEPATITUS C: Testing, Treatment and Prevention

Hepatitis is a disease or inflammation of the liver and affects the liver's ability to do its many jobs. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or Hepatitis D can infect a person although this article will outline specifically Hepatitis C, which is caused by a virus.

Hepatitis C infection can be diagnosed by a blood test.

The CDC recommends that the following groups be tested for HCV infection:

• IV drug abusers
• People who received clotting factors made before 1987
• Hemodialysis patients
• People who received blood or organs before 1992
• People with undiagnosed liver problems
• Infants born to mothers with HCV

HCV Treatment and Prevention

No vaccine is available to protect against this virus. There are vaccines to protect against Hepatitis A and B, but these provide no protection from Hepatitis C. Antibiotics are not effective in treating this infection because HCV is a viral disease, although drugs may be given to help clear the virus from the body.

Living With Hepatitis C

People with HCV:

Should avoid drinking alcohol, as this may increase liver damage.

Should not donate blood or organs, as the disease may be spread in this manner.

Do not require isolation or any specific precautions

Rest a lot

Eat small, frequent meals for good nutrition

If your loved one has HCV:

Hand washing is still the most important overall way to prevent infections.

Wear gloves any time you may contact blood or body fluids (anything "wet").

If your loved one uses needles, such as a diabetic, be extremely careful to watch for accidentally-discarded needles and syringes.

Never put your hand into a trash can. If you must pick up something that has fallen into the trash, pour the contents out into another bag so you don't have to reach in.

Exposure

What if an exposure occurs? An exposure is contact with blood or body fluids that may put you at risk for contracting a blood-borne disease. Some examples include a needle stick, contact with blood on an open skin area, or splashing of body fluids into the eyes.

• If an exposure occurs, try not to panic. Most exposures do not result in disease.
• Immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, if it is a skin exposure.
• For exposure to eyes or mucous membranes, flush with lots of water (preferably saline for eyes). Blood may be drawn from you for testing at a doctor’s office.

Remember that knowledge is power. By understanding how disease is transmitted and what precautions to take, you have the power to protect yourself and others.

Find information on HEPATITUS C: Transmission, Signs and Symptoms.