Hepatitis C primary prevention

The following guidelines will prevent infection with the hepatitis C virus, which is spread by blood:

• Avoid sharing drug needles or any other drug paraphernalia including works for injection or bills or straws
• Avoid unsanitary tattoo methods
• Avoid unsanitary body piercing methods and acupuncture
• Avoid needlestick injury
• Avoid sharing grooming utensils
• Avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, and nail clippers.

Proponents of harm reduction believe that strategies such as the provision of new needles and syringes, and education about safer drug injection procedures, greatly decreases the risk of hepatitis C spreading between injecting drug users.

References