Hepatitis C primary prevention
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Hepatitis C |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
In the absence of a vaccine primary prevention of HCV depends mostly on avoiding exposure to the virus.
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[1]
- 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[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]
- Promotion of correct and consistent condom use
- Routine screening of sex workers in high-prevalence settings
- Elimination of discrimination and gender violence
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.