Hepatitis C secondary prevention: Difference between revisions

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==Secondary Prevention==
==Secondary Prevention==
People who have hepatitis C should consider making following changes to their lives:  
Patients who are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C require specific measures to limit further hepatic damage, and avoid progression to cirrhosis. Important measures include:
*Reducing alcohol intake
* Assessment of alcohol intake for all patients with HCV infection and advising limitation of alcohol
*Maintaining a well [[balanced diet]] i.e. low in fat and considering overall health maintenance.
* Behavioural alcohol reduction intervention in patients with moderate to high alcohol intake
*Consult a physician for regular monitoring of the condition and, if necessary, he may refer to a specialist.
* Maintaining a well [[balanced diet]] that is low in fat  
*Immunization against other hepatitis viruses for which there are vaccines (i.e. [[hepatitis A]] and [[hepatitis B]]) should be considered.
* Evaluation for other conditions that may accelerate liver fibrosis, including HBV and HIV infections
*Covering completely any cut or wound with a waterproof dressing would help in reduction of transmission of the virus.
* Immunization against other hepatitis viruses([[hepatitis A]] and [[hepatitis B]]) is highly recommended<ref name="aasld2014">AASLD/IDSA/IAS–USA. Recommendations for testing, managing, and treating hepatitis C. http://www.hcvguidelines.org. Accessed July 27, 2014.</ref><br>
*Should ensure that the injecting equipment are not shared.
 
*Should not donate blood or body organs.
Precautions to prevent transmission to other individuals include:<ref name="who">World Health Organization (WHO) 2014. Guidelines for the screening, care and treatment of persons with hepatitis C infection.http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/hepatitis/hepatitis-c-guidelines/en/. Accessed online on July 24,2014.</ref>
*Should not share personal items such as toothbrushes or razors.
* Covering completely any cut or wound with a waterproof dressing would help in reduction of transmission of the virus
*Any blood spills — including dried blood, which can still be infectious — should be cleaned using a dilution of one part household bleach to 10 parts water. Gloves should be worn when cleaning up blood spills.
* Ensuring that the injecting equipment is not shared
* Avoiding blood or organ donation
* Not sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors
* Engaging in protected intercourse whenever possible


There are no CDC recommendations to restrict a health care worker who is infected with HCV. The risk of transmission from an infected health care worker to a patient appears to be very low. All health care personnel, including those who are HCV positive, should follow strict aseptic technique and Standard Precautions, including appropriate hand hygiene, use of protective barriers, and safe injection practices.
There are no CDC recommendations to restrict a health care worker who is infected with HCV. The risk of transmission from an infected health care worker to a patient appears to be very low. All health care personnel, including those who are HCV positive, should follow strict aseptic technique and Standard Precautions, including appropriate hand hygiene, use of protective barriers, and safe injection practices.

Revision as of 06:22, 28 July 2014

Secondary Prevention

Patients who are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C require specific measures to limit further hepatic damage, and avoid progression to cirrhosis. Important measures include:

  • Assessment of alcohol intake for all patients with HCV infection and advising limitation of alcohol
  • Behavioural alcohol reduction intervention in patients with moderate to high alcohol intake
  • Maintaining a well balanced diet that is low in fat
  • Evaluation for other conditions that may accelerate liver fibrosis, including HBV and HIV infections
  • Immunization against other hepatitis viruses(hepatitis A and hepatitis B) is highly recommended[1]

Precautions to prevent transmission to other individuals include:[2]

  • Covering completely any cut or wound with a waterproof dressing would help in reduction of transmission of the virus
  • Ensuring that the injecting equipment is not shared
  • Avoiding blood or organ donation
  • Not sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors
  • Engaging in protected intercourse whenever possible

There are no CDC recommendations to restrict a health care worker who is infected with HCV. The risk of transmission from an infected health care worker to a patient appears to be very low. All health care personnel, including those who are HCV positive, should follow strict aseptic technique and Standard Precautions, including appropriate hand hygiene, use of protective barriers, and safe injection practices.

References

  1. AASLD/IDSA/IAS–USA. Recommendations for testing, managing, and treating hepatitis C. http://www.hcvguidelines.org. Accessed July 27, 2014.
  2. World Health Organization (WHO) 2014. Guidelines for the screening, care and treatment of persons with hepatitis C infection.http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/hepatitis/hepatitis-c-guidelines/en/. Accessed online on July 24,2014.

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