10 Steps to Take After a Hepatitis C Diagnosis Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Treating and Curing Hep C Hepatitis C 10 Steps to Take After a Hepatitis C Diagnosis By Madeline R. Vann, MPHMedically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD Reviewed: September 1, 2020 Medically Reviewed Getty Images Even though a large number of people in the United States were living with hepatitis C between 2013 and 2016 — an estimated 2.4 million, 351 Collect Your Thoughts and Breathe Getty Images If your diagnosis came as a shock, you aren’t alone. Maybe it resulted from behavior that occurred years — or even decades — ago, or maybe you were infected by a 352 Seek Out New Information Jovo Jovanovic/Stocksy Current 353 Build Your Medical Team iStock You don’t have to be treated at the same clinic (or with the same doctor) who diagnosed you. In fact, you may want to find a 354 Work Closely With Your Care Team Getty Images To understand how hepatitis C is affecting your body, your doctor will likely run a number of tests. First up is determining which genotype, or strain, of the virus you have, which will influence your treatment options, Fenkel says.“We also need to know how much damage has been done to the 355 Stick to Your Treatment Plan iStock Current medications offer the possibility of a cure in as little as 8 weeks, 356 Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle iStock Because the hepatitis C virus can damage your liver, it’s important to take extra steps to protect this vital organ. 357 Avoid Harmful Substances Getty Images While it’s essential to pick up healthy habits, it’s equally important to avoid harmful behaviors. Alcohol is a toxin to the liver, and drinking too much can lead to cirrhosis and advanced 358 Take Care of Your Emotional Health iStock About two in five 359 Pick Your Confidants Carefully Katleho Seisa/Getty Images Even though hepatitis C can be acquired through blood transfusions and needlestick injuries, people often associate the infection with recreational drug use. Disclosing your medical information to others is a personal decision, explains gastroenterologist 360 Avoid Reinfection Vladimir Sukhachev/Shutterstock Successfully treating hepatitis C doesn’t protect you from getting infected again. Once you’ve been cured, it’s important to prevent reinfection. Remember not to share needles or drug paraphernalia; avoid unprotected sex with casual sex partners; and if you get a tattoo or piercing, make sure the needle is new and clean. Dr. Fenkel also advises getting a new toothbrush and razor blade once your viral load drops to an undetectable level. Related Galleries 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Hepatitis C 5 Things Black Americans Should Know About Hepatitis C Should You Take an At-Home Test for Hepatitis C The Dos and Don ts of Hepatitis C Treatment NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges