How to Protect Yourself from Hepatitis C
Not everyone is at risk for hepatitis C. You can reduce your risk of becoming infected with hepatitis C if you follow these guidelines.
- • Don't inject street drugs. Hepatitis C spreads much more easily than HIV through injection of drugs. If you don't inject drugs, the best way to protect yourself is NOT to start. Snorting or smoking drugs instead of shooting reduces the risk of getting hepatitis C.
- • Don't share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal care items that may have blood on them.
- • Only get tattoos or body piercing by a professional in a specialized setting.
- • Practice safer sex by using latex condoms.
- • Avoid sexual acts that can injure body tissues and allow contact with infected blood (anal sex, fisting, etc.).
- • Don't share straws if you snort drugs. Blood on the straw may spread the virus.
If you do inject street drugs or hormones, you can reduce the likelihood of becoming infected with hepatitis C if you:
- • Never share your drug injection equipment (syringe, cotton, cooker, water, ties, etc.)
- • Use sterile needles and works EVERY TIME you inject drugs.
- • Wash your hands and the injection site BEFORE AND AFTER you shoot up.
- • Don't split drugs with a used syringe. If that's not possible, split drugs in powdered form.
- • More information about Safer Injecting
