Hepatitis C primary prevention

Hepatitis Main Page
Hepatitis C
Home
Patient Info
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Epidemiology & Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Differentiating Hepatitis C from other Diseases
Natural History, Complications & Prognosis
Diagnosis
History & Symptoms
Physical Examination
Lab Tests
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Future or Investigational Therapies
Hepatitis C primary prevention On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hepatitis C primary prevention All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hepatitis C primary prevention
CDC on Hepatitis C primary prevention
Hepatitis C primary prevention in the news
Blogs on Hepatitis C primary prevention
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hepatitis C
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hepatitis C primary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Primary Prevention

Hepatitis C, unlike hepatitis A and B does not yet have a vaccine. 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.

Recommendations for healthcare workers

• Proper hand hygiene and use of gloves when indicated
• Safe handling and disposal of sharps and contaminated waste
• Training of health personnel
• Testing of donated blood
• Improved access to safe blood

Recommendations for IV drug users

• 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

• Promotion of correct and consistent condom use
• Routine screening of sex workers in high-prevalence settings
• Elimination of discrimination and gender violence

References