People living with Hep C have the right to enjoy a full range of healthy and positive life experiences. These experiences are often defined by their personal situation and needs and include full rights to access healthcare services.
Preventing the spread of Hep C is important both for people who are at risk and for people who are already infected. People who do not have Hep C can take steps to make sure they avoid infection. People living with Hep C can take steps to protect their liver from other hepatotoxic infections (like hepatitis B) or other blood-borne diseases (like HIV).
People with hepatitis C can help prevent the spread of Hep C to those who are HCV negative by taking the following steps:
- Using new equipment and associated supplies (available at needle exchange programs) every time a person consumes drugs by injection or snorting, and never sharing crack pipes or other equipment for smoking. This includes planning ahead for drug use and having extra supplies on hand.
- Making sure used drug-use equipment is kept away from other people by proper disposal and not sharing.
- Not donating blood, organs or other body tissues.
- Getting tattoos and piercings in places where the artist is sure to use new, sterile equipment (including needles, ink, and ink pots).
- Switching from injecting drugs to other forms of drug-taking, like smoking or ingestion.
- Not sharing personal items that may have blood on them (razors, toothbrushes and nail clippers) and keeping them out of reach of others when not in use.
- Using condoms and other safer-sex practices during sex.
- Consulting a doctor when considering pregnancy and having children.
