Prevention (MEDICALNEWSTODAY)
Preventing HCV involves limiting exposure to the virus in the first instance.
Because HCV can only be transmitted through blood to infected blood exposure, the number one way to prevent spreading HCV is by not sharing needles and avoiding all contact with the blood of other people.
Once identified, people infected with HCV should receive both the hepatitis A and B vaccines, and make lifestyle changes to promote optimum liver health.
Obesity, smoking, diabetes and alcohol consumption can accelerate the rate of liver scarring. It is important that all individuals with HCV infection maintain good health. This involves:
- avoiding or quitting smoking
- maintaining ideal weight
- managing co-existing health problems
- abstaining from all alcohol
