Hepatitis C Prevention Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Hepatitis C How to Prevent Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is a contagious and serious liver disease. There’s no vaccine to protect against the virus, but with the right safety measures, you can prevent an infection in yourself and others. By Valencia HigueraMedically Reviewed by Jane Yoon Scott, MD Reviewed: August 17, 2022 Medically Reviewed Hepatitis C is spread through direct contact with infected blood. To help prevent transmission, don’t share personal care items, such as razors.Jose Coello/Stocksy The hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects more than two million people in the United States, with thousands of new cases every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2019 alone, the CDC estimates that there were 57,500 cases of acute hepatitis C (that is, a new infection). ( Avoid Sharing Personal Care Items Razors, cuticle scissors, and nail clippers can sometimes cause minor nicks and cuts. If you or someone else has HCV, infected blood (even the smallest drop) can get on these items and spread the virus when shared between people, notes the Hepatitis C Trust. ( Don t Share Drug Needles or Paraphernalia New hepatitis C infections are more common among people who inject drugs, per past research. ( Make Sure You Choose a Reputable Tattoo Shop Don’t assume that every tattoo parlor takes the necessary measures to prevent the spread of bloodborne viruses, because some don’t. So do your due diligence and ask questions to ensure your personal safety. Related Five Ways Hepatitis C Can Be Spread“If you want to get a tattoo, make sure to get it from an established and safe place, and make sure they use a different needle in each customer,” says Avoid Direct Exposure to Blood Infected With Hepatitis C Keep in mind that it’s also possible for hepatitis C to spread through accidental contact with an infected person’s blood. (1,5) So even if you don’t share needles or razors, or get a tattoo, there’s the risk of infection if you live with someone infected with the virus, or if you work in healthcare and handle needles — but only if you come in contact with infected blood.To protect yourself (and others) at home, wear gloves before tending to cuts and other bloody injuries, and clean contaminated surfaces with bleach. “If you have a family member with hepatitis C, Take Precautions and Practice Safe Sex Hepatitis C is rarely transmitted through vaginal intercourse, says Adalja, but you should still take steps to protect yourself and others by wearing condoms. You may feel that condoms aren’t necessary if you’re in a monogamous heterosexual relationship. Keep in mind, though, that HCV can spread through menstrual flow, so refrain from having Get Tested for Hepatitis C and Know Your Status If you suspect that you’ve been exposed to the virus at some point, talk to your doctor about The Common Infection Many People Don t Know They Have Article Hepatitis C and Pregnancy What to Know Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent the spread of the Final Word on Hepatitis C Prevention If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause many NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Hepatitis C Questions and Answers for Health Professionals. Show Less The Latest in Hepatitis C These Requirements Make It Harder for People With Hepatitis C to Be Treated Restrictions in Medicaid coverage can prevent people with hepatitis C from receiving treatment.By Maia Niguel Hoskin, PhDMarch 11, 2022 Can Curing Hepatitis C Improve Your Brain Health? The virus can cause problems such as brain fog, fatigue, and memory trouble. The good news: These cognitive problems can be reversed.By Jessica MigalaMarch 11, 2022 Hepatitis C Infections Are Rising Among Pregnant People A growing number of pregnant people are being diagnosed with hepatitis C amid a worsening opioid crisis — and a new study suggests that white and American...By Lisa RapaportDecember 9, 2021 Should You Take an At-Home Test for Hepatitis C? At-home testing for hepatitis C is becoming more widespread. Discover whether you should take a self-test and what you need to know about this new way...By Elizabeth YunDecember 8, 2021 7 Ways Hepatitis C Affects Your Skin A hepatitis C infection can not only damage your liver but also affect your skin. Learn how to manage the symptoms.By Elizabeth YunSeptember 8, 2021 8 Things People With Hepatitis C Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines Find out whether the COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people with hepatitis C, including those who have been diagnosed with cirrhosis.By Moira LawlerMay 6, 2021 7 Things to Do While You’re Waiting to Start Hep C Treatment Take these steps to shore up your diet, medication routine, and more.By Andrea PeirceMarch 9, 2021 5 Ways to Avoid Hepatitis C Reinfection Direct-acting antiviral medication can cure hepatitis C, but it can’t prevent you from catching the virus again. Here’s how to avoid contracting hep C...By Colleen de BellefondsDecember 3, 2020 How One Black Man Was Cured of Hep C, Despite Racial Bias How one Black man fought — and won — his battle with hepatitis C.By Maia Niguel Hoskin, PhDDecember 3, 2020 Hepatitis C Virus Treatable Thanks to Discovery of Nobel Winners The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was jointly awarded to three scientists who discovered the hepatitis C virus, a feat that paved the way...By Lisa RapaportOctober 13, 2020 MORE IN Is Sex Safe if One Person Has Hepatitis C? What Is Hepatitis A? 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