Calling your health care provider
Call your provider if symptoms of hepatitis develop, or if you believe you have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus.
Prevention
Avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible. Health care workers should practice universal precautions when handling blood and bodily fluids.
Do not inject drugs of abuse, and especially do not share needles with anyone. Be cautious when getting tattoos and body piercings.
Sexual transmission is low among stable, monogamous couples. A partner should be screened for hepatitis C. If the partner is negative, the current recommendations are to make no changes in sexual practices. Individuals having sex outside of a monogamous relationship should practice safer sex behaviors to avoid hepatitis C as well as sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and hepatitis B.
Currently there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
References
Rocca LG. Management of patients with hepatitis C in a community setting: diagnosis, discussions and decisions to treat. Ann Fam Med. 2004; 2(2): 116-124.
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