Preventing Hepatitis C

The best way to prevent infection with the virus is to understand the risk factors and modify behavior accordingly. Routine screening of blood donors has significantly reduced the incidence of post-transfusion hepatitis C. Screening for the virus is recommended for donors of organs, tissues, and semen. Safe needle programs have also limited the spread and incidence of hepatitis C. To protect yourself, avoid sex without a condom and improperly sterilized manicure or body-piercing equipment.

Ultimately, control of hepatitis C, like other viral hepatitis infections, can be achieved only with a vaccine that provides long-term immunity. Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C. Because of its multiple strains and rapid mutation rate, a multivalent vaccine will be required and may take several years to develop and test before it can be routinely used. Once such a vaccine is available, universal vaccination of infants and adolescents at high risk may help control disease transmission.