Hepatitis C Prevention

Prevention

To prevent becoming infected with hepatitis C:

Do not inject illicit drugs. Shared needles have highest risk. Seek help to stop using drugs.
Do not have sex with partners who have STDs.
Practice safe sex (using latex condoms) or abstain from sex.
Limit your number of sexual partners.
Avoid sharing personal hygiene products, such as toothbrushes.
Avoid handling items that may be contaminated by HCV-infected blood.
Donate your own blood before elective surgery to be used if you need a blood transfusion.

To prevent spreading hepatitis C to others if you are infected:

Tell your dentist and physician before receiving check-ups or treatment.
Get both a hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination.
Do not donate blood or organs for transplant.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.