Hepatitis C primary prevention: Difference between revisions
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==Primary Prevention== | ==Primary Prevention== | ||
Unlike [[hepatitis A]] and [[hepatitis B]], there are currently no readily available vaccines for hepatitis C. Primary prevention of HCV relies mostly on measures that decrease exposure to the virus. Recommendations are based on the routes of transmission, and populations at risk. | Unlike [[hepatitis A]] and [[hepatitis B]], there are currently no readily available vaccines for hepatitis C. Primary prevention of HCV relies mostly on measures that decrease exposure to the virus. Recommendations are based on the routes of transmission, and populations at risk. Based on [[CDC]]/ AASLD/IDSA recommendations, one-time, routine, opt-out [[HCV]] testing is recommended for all individuals aged 18 years or [[old]]er. For individuals younger than 18 [[years]], [[HCV]] testing should be performed in the setting of exposures, and conditions and behaviors where increased risk of [[HCV]] is anticipated. | ||
{{fontcolor|red|'''''Recommendations for healthcare workers'''''}}<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> | {{fontcolor|red|'''''Recommendations for healthcare workers'''''}}<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> | ||
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One-time screening of [[pregnant]] females is recommended unless [[risk factors]] require additional testing. | One-time screening of [[pregnant]] females is recommended unless [[risk factors]] require additional testing. | ||
* Children born to [[HCV]]-infected [[females]]. | * Children born to [[HCV]]-infected [[females]]. | ||
{{fontcolor|red|'''''Recommended screening for individuals with risk exposures'''''}} | {{fontcolor|red|'''''Recommended screening for individuals with risk exposures'''''}} | ||
Revision as of 19:14, 19 May 2021
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Hepatitis C |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Hepatitis C primary prevention On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hepatitis C primary prevention |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Hepatitis C primary prevention |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
In the absence of available vaccine, primary prevention of HCV depends mostly on avoiding exposure to the virus.
Primary Prevention
Unlike hepatitis A and hepatitis B, there are currently no readily available vaccines for hepatitis C. Primary prevention of HCV relies mostly on measures that decrease exposure to the virus. Recommendations are based on the routes of transmission, and populations at risk. Based on CDC/ AASLD/IDSA recommendations, one-time, routine, opt-out HCV testing is recommended for all individuals aged 18 years or older. For individuals younger than 18 years, HCV testing should be performed in the setting of exposures, and conditions and behaviors where increased risk of HCV is anticipated.
Recommendations for healthcare workers[1]
- Proper hand hygiene and use of gloves when indicated
- Safe handling and disposal of sharps and contaminated waste
- Train healthcare personnel
- Test donated blood
- Improve access to safe blood
- Health care, emergency medical, and public safety workers after sticks with needles or sharps or mucosal exposure to HCV-infected blood should be screened.
Recommendations for IV drug users[1]
- IV drug users should be offered the rapid hepatitis B vaccine regimen
- Implement sterile needle and syringe programmes
- Offer peer interventions to IV drug users
- Offer opioid substitution therapy to treat opioid dependence to decrease risky behavior
Recommendations for sexual transmission of HCV[1]
- Promote correct and consistent condom use
- Routine screening of sex workers in high-prevalence settings
- Eliminate discrimination and gender violence.
- Annual HCV testing for PWID and HIV-seropositive men who have unprotected sexual intercourse with men. Periodic testing should be offered to other individuals with ongoing risk factors for exposure to HCV.
Recommendations for pregnant females and children born to the infected One-time screening of pregnant females is recommended unless risk factors require additional testing.
Recommended screening for individuals with risk exposures
- Individuals who have ever received long-term hemodialysis, had percutaneous/parenteral exposure in unregulated setting.
- Screening for recipients of transfusions or organ transplants, including individuals who got notified having received blood from a later diagnosed HCV positive donor. Individuals who received a blood transfusion transfusion or an organ transplant before July 1992, received clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987, ever incarcerated.
- Individuals with HIV infection, plan on initiating preexposure prophylaxis for HIV, with unexplained CLD, chronic hepatitis, and solid organ donors (alive or dead)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 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.