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 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.
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
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
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.