Hepatitis C is spread by direct contact with hepatitis C-infected blood. For example, if infected blood came into contact with an open sore or a cut in your hands, you may become infected. Hepatitis C is not spread by casual contact.

If you are exposed to HCV, have a baseline blood test done immediately. Second, get retested after 6 months. It can take up to 6 months before antibodies appear.

We recommend testing for the following:

• Persons who have used injection drugs not prescribed by a doctor, even once
• Persons who received blood before 1992
• Persons who have received an organ transplant before 1992
• Persons who have received long-term hemodialysis
• Persons who were treated for clotting problems with a blood product made before 1987 (hemophiliacs)
• Persons who have signs and symptoms of liver disease (e.g., abnormal liver enzyme tests)
• Healthcare workers after accidental exposure to blood (e.g., needle sticks or splash to the eye)
• Children born to hepatitis C virus-positive women

Medical and dental procedures done in the United States do not pose a risk for the spread of HCV. The use of required sterilization procedures or disposable instruments eliminates the risk of hepatitis C.

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Antiviral drugs, such as interferon used alone or in combination with ribavirin, are approved for treatment. Some infections respond better to treatment than others. Overall, treatment works well in 30-50 percent of those who complete antiviral treatment.

The Texas Department of State Health Services offers counseling and testing at select sites. The state and local public health departments do not have funding for treatment at this time.

If you don't have insurance, check with your local health department, local support groups, or other resources. The DSHS website also offers a listing of helpful resources.

There are several things that you can do to prevent further damage to your liver. We recommend the following:

• Do not drink alcohol.
• See your health care provider regularly.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
• Do not take any new medicines or use over-the-counter or herbal medicines without talking to your health care provider first.
• If you work with solvents or other chemicals that may effect your liver, wear protective equipment.

Your health care provider will provide you with additional advice.

Persons with hepatitis C should not donate blood, organs, tissue, or semen. They should not share personal items that may have blood on them, such as razors, toothbrushes, dental appliances, or nail-grooming equipment. They should also cover their cuts and skin sores with a bandage.

It does not occur very often. If HCV is spread within a household, it is spread by direct contact with infected blood. Examples would be sharing razors or toothbrushes.

You may want to keep a first-aid kit in your home and in your car. Always use rubber gloves when cleaning up blood so that you do not come into direct contact with it. The area should be cleaned using a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water or other good disinfectant. Scrub the area thoroughly.

Sexual transmission studies are still ongoing. Because hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, it is not easily transmitted through sex. There are still some questions as to whether or not the virus is transmitted through semen.

If you and your spouse are having anal sex, you may increase your chances of transmitting the virus if bleeding occurs.

For your best protection, we suggest maintaining a monogamous relationship with your spouse. For added protection, you may want to consider using latex condoms.

The risk for sexual transmission is low. If your partner has HCV and was a former IV drug user, screening would be appropriate to rule out infection.

Hepatitis C is spread by direct contact with infected blood. It is not spread unless blood is present. Your child is not at risk having casual contact with your ex-spouse. Hepatitis C cannot be spread by hugging, kissing, handshakes, sneezing, coughing, or sharing household utensils (spoons, forks, bowls, glasses).

Studies are still ongoing regarding the risk for transmission from tattoos and the presence of the virus in the ink. If a business follows universal safety procedures, such as using sterile needles and ink, then there is little risk of transmission.

Hepatitis C is spread by direct contact with infected blood. The virus cannot be passed through toilet seats.

Some people with hepatitis C infection develop a long-term infection, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), or liver cancer. Many people live decades with the virus and die of other causes unrelated to liver disease.

Of every 100 persons infected with hepatitis C about:

• 85 persons may develop long-term infection
• 70 persons may develop chronic liver disease
• 15 persons may develop cirrhosis over 20-30 years or longer
• 5 persons may die from liver cancer or cirrhosis