How to Prevent It

To prevent hepatitis C, we need to stop infected blood getting into your blood stream. There are a number of activities that risk Hepatitis C infection. We have listed these below with a recommendation on how to reduce your risk. These precautions are small and simple but really help.

Precautions to stay safe

• Blood spills

All blood and body fluids spills should be treated as potentially infectious at all times wether they are freash or old and dried.

Rubber gloves must be worn to clean all blood spills.

Blood spills should be cleaned-up with undiluted bleach and all articles that become soiled in doing so should be disposed of carefully in the bin. More details are provided for families.

• Injury (wounds and cuts)

All wounds and cuts should be cleaned and covered with waterproof dressings.

Wear rubber gloves if you helping are someone that is injured and anything that has been contaminated with blood

• Injecting drug use

Sterile injecting equipment should always be used.

Injecting equipment should never be shared including needles, syringes and all works such as filters, water, spoons, burners and so on

• Body piercing

Ensure that disposable, sterile needles are used

• At home

Avoid sharing sharp personal items that can nick or cut your skin or gums causing bleeding such as toothbrushes and razors.

• Health care settings

Universal precautions should be adhered to. All blood, body fluids and body tissues should be treated as potentially infectious at all times.

• Medical care abroad

Medical or dental treatment can pose a risk in countries where hepatitis C is common if infection control or screening is poor or not provided. If you have had surgical treatment abroad, you should speak to your GP and think about getting a test for hepatitis C.

• Blood transfusion abroad

Blood and blood products are now screened in the UK and most western european countries but not in all countries overseas.

• Sexual transmission

Use condoms and avoid sex during menstruation to reduce risk.

More adventurous sexual activities and sex with a range of different partners increases the risk of infection from Hepatitis C. If you can - think about reducing your number of sexual partners and making a change in your sexual practices.

• Oral sex

Avoid giving oral sex if you have ulcers in the mouth.

Use condoms or dental dams to reduce the risk.