Hepatitis C: An Overview

Prevention

Injecting Drug Users:
- Stop using and injecting drugs.
- Enter and complete substance abuse treatment.
- If continuing to inject drugs:
  - Never reuse or "share" syringes, needles, water, or drug preparation equipment.
  - If injection equipment has been used by other persons, first clean the equipment with bleach and water.
  - Use only syringes obtained from a reliable source (e.g., pharmacies).
Injection Drug Use
- Use a new sterile syringe to prepare and inject drugs; if possible, use sterile water to prepare drugs; otherwise use clean water from a reliable source (such as fresh tap water).
- Use a new or disinfected container ("cooker") and a new filter ("cotton") to prepare drugs.
- Clean the injection site prior to injection with a new alcohol swab.
- Safely dispose of syringes after one use.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
Persons At-risk for STDs
- Have sex with only one uninfected partner or do not have sex at all.
- Use latex condoms correctly and every time to protect themselves and their partners from diseases spread through sexual activity.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B, and if appropriate, hepatitis A.