Prevention
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection, However, you can take steps to protect yourself from becoming infected with hepatitis C virus and to prevent passing the virus to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends
- Don't share personal care items that might have blood on them, such as razors or toothbrushes
- Avoid injected drugs or, for drug users, enter a treatment program
- Never share needles, syringes, water, or "works" (equipment for intravenous drug use) and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B if you are a drug user
- Consider the risks of getting tattoos or body piercings. You can get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them or if the artist or piercer does not follow good health practices.
- Don't donate blood, organs, or tissue if you have hepatitis C
