Hepatitis C | Prevention


How do I prevent hepatitis C?

The only way to prevent hepatitis C is to avoid coming in contact with an infected person’s blood. Always have protected sex (use a condom). Don’t do intravenous (IV) drugs. Don’t share personal care items (such as razors or toothbrushes) with a person who has hepatitis C. If you’re a health care worker, follow your workplace’s standard safety practices.

Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C?

No, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. (There are vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.) If you have hepatitis C, your doctor may want you to get the hepatitis B vaccine (and maybe the hepatitis A vaccine, too), if you don't already have these viruses. If you have hepatitis C, you are more likely to catch hepatitis A or hepatitis B, which would cause more damage to your liver.

A note about vaccines



Hepatitis C: Part II. Prevention Counseling and Medical Evaluation by LA Moyer, R.N., EE Mast, M.D., M.P.H., and MJ Alter, Ph.D. (American Family Physician January 15, 1999, http://www.aafp.org/afp/990115ap/349.html)

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff

Reviewed/Updated: 03/14
Created: 09/00