Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. To reduce your risk of getting hepatitis C:. During the acute phase first 6 months after infection most persons have no symptoms or might experience a mild illness. Symptoms of acute HCV infection, when present, may include:. Signs of severe liver scarring cirrhosis may include:. Because symptoms of hepatitis C are usually absent, persons with risk for HCV infection should be tested.
In many cases, it is necessary to confirm a positive hepatitis C antibody test with a more specific test, such as a test for HCV virus RNA. If you think you have hepatitis C or have risk for hepatitis C, you should contact your doctor. The Communicable Disease Control Unit may be able to help answer your questions. What is Hepatitis C? New hepatitis C infections are more common among people who inject drugs, per past research. It can also spread when two people share a straw or dollar bill for snorting cocaine, when traces of blood are present in the nose.
The best way to prevent an infection is to stop injecting drugs. This will most likely involve getting treatment for substance abuse and addiction. At the very least, only use newly packaged sterile syringes and needles, and never share drug-injecting equipment with others. So do your due diligence and ask questions to ensure your personal safety. Also, make sure the tattoo parlor is licensed. You can check with your local or state health department for licensing information, and only use parlors that come recommended by friends and family.
How do they sterilize their counters, tables, chairs, and equipment? Do they use a bleach-based disinfectant? If you detect annoyance or attitude from the tattooist, follow your gut and get out. To protect yourself and others at home, wear gloves before tending to cuts and other bloody injuries, and clean contaminated surfaces with bleach. Any gloves, bandages, or tissues covered with infected blood should be sealed in a plastic bag and disposed of in the trash, and you should wash any contaminated fabrics at the highest temperature with bleach.
Seeni, so these workers should always practice safety. Hepatitis C is rarely transmitted through vaginal intercourse, says Adalja, but you should still take steps to protect yourself and others by wearing condoms.
Chronic infection can cause serious, long-term liver disease, such as cirrhosis. In this condition, cells of the liver die and are replaced by scar tissue. Over time, the liver stops working. In some cases, chronic hepatitis can lead to liver cancer. About , people in the United States are estimated to be living with hepatitis B.
Many do not know they are infected. Hepatitis B is passed through contact with body fluids. People who work in the health care field also may be exposed to body fluids. A baby can be infected during birth if the pregnant woman has hepatitis B. Hepatitis B also can be spread if you live with an infected person and share household items that touch body fluids, such as toothbrushes or razors. But hepatitis B is not spread by casual contact, such as shaking hands, sharing food or drink, coughing, or sneezing.
Also, hepatitis B is not spread by breastfeeding. In most people, the virus goes away by itself. But in some people, the virus does not go away. These people become carriers of the virus who can infect others. Carriers also may develop chronic hepatitis, which can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, and early death. There are different blood tests for the hepatitis B virus. Tests for hepatitis B can tell whether you have been recently infected or whether you are a carrier.
Tests also can show whether you have had the virus in the past and are now immune to it or whether you have had the hepatitis B vaccine. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but symptoms can be managed. Treatment can be given for some of the liver diseases caused by the infection. The best protection against the hepatitis B virus is a vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is a series of three shots.
All babies are vaccinated beginning at birth. Children should receive the vaccine if they were not vaccinated as babies. The vaccine also is recommended for adults at risk of hepatitis B. Even if you do not have any risk factors, you still can be vaccinated if you have not been before. Pregnant women with risk factors for hepatitis B infection also can get the vaccine. Although getting the vaccine is the best way to prevent hepatitis B infection, you can take steps to avoid hepatitis B, including.
People who have been recently exposed to hepatitis B and are not vaccinated usually are given the vaccine along with a shot of hepatitis B immune globulin HBIG. HBIG contains antibodies to the virus. It can give additional protection against infection in certain situations. Pregnant women with risk factors for hepatitis B infection can get the vaccine. The vaccine is safe for pregnant women, postpartum women, and women who are breastfeeding. All babies should get their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine before leaving the hospital after birth.
The second dose is given when the baby is 1 to 2 months old. The third dose is given when the baby is 6 to 18 months old. Find out more about the complications of hepatitis C. There's no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there are ways to reduce your risk of becoming infected.
The risk of getting hepatitis C through sex is very low. But it may be higher if blood is present, such as menstrual blood or from minor bleeding during anal sex.
Condoms are not usually necessary to prevent hepatitis C for long-term heterosexual couples, but it's a good idea to use them when having anal sex or sex with a new partner. Page last reviewed: 27 October Next review due: 27 October Information: Coronavirus advice Get advice about coronavirus and liver disease from the British Liver Trust.
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