Hepatitis C is a global health problem, and we must prevent infection with it. Here are the most important ways to prevent hepatitis C in this article. In the following, we will learn about the most prominent ways to prevent hepatitis C: Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is a viral disease that affects the liver, and it is classified into several types.
The most important ones are: (A, B, and C).
Hepatitis B is transmitted when blood, semen, or other body fluids contaminated with the virus enter the body of an uninfected person, while type A is transmitted through food or drink contaminated with the virus, or the feces of another infected person.
Ways to prevent hepatitis C
There are many ways to prevent hepatitis C infection.
1. General preventive measures
We mention some of them
Avoid direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, and wash your hands thoroughly after any potential exposure.
Use condoms with the infected partner of both sexes.
Clean blood stains or contaminated body fluids using diluted chlorine.
Do not share sharp tools with anyone, such as: razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and others.
Cover body wounds carefully to avoid exposing them to any contaminants.
Use new, sterile needles for ear piercings, tattoos, or medical injections.
Dispose of female sanitary pads in airtight plastic bags.
Stay away from illegal street drugs, such as: injecting drugs.
Taking vaccinations to prevent hepatitis C.
2. Prevention of hepatitis A
There are some methods used to prevent hepatitis A infection, in addition to the previous methods, we mention, including the following:
Avoid eating raw fish and shellfish.
Avoid eating food from hawkers on the street.
Stay away from eating peeled fruit slices, peel the fruit yourself after washing it.
Use bottled and sterilized water bottles for drinking and brushing teeth, and remember that ice cubes can transmit infection.
If bottled water is not available, you can boil the water for a minute to kill the virus and make it safe to drink.
Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or when coming into contact with infected people.
Vaccines for prevention of hepatitis C
The most important information about preventive vaccinations and their specific doses
One of the most effective preventative measures is the hepatitis A and B virus vaccines, which are recommended for all children as an important part of healthcare.
These vaccines provide long-term protection against infection, so if you were not vaccinated as a baby, that is fine, as the vaccine can be given to people of any age.
It is worth noting that there is no vaccine for hepatitis C virus, so you must not be complacent and implement the previous preventive measures to the fullest.
1. Vaccine against hepatitis A
Doctors recommend that you should take the hepatitis A vaccine if you want to travel to an endemic country, and you have not previously taken the vaccine.
The vaccine consists of two doses, separated by 6 months.
Some side effects may occur after vaccination, such as
Headache.
Tired.
Pain at the injection site.
Less commonly, the vaccine may cause an allergic reaction within a few minutes or hours of injection.
If you experience sudden flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
2. Vaccine against hepatitis B type
Doctors recommend that all people get vaccinated against hepatitis B infection.
It consists of three doses, the second taken after one month and the third after 6 months of the first dose.
The side effects associated with the vaccine are very rare. You may feel some pain at the injection site.
When does the risk of contracting hepatitis C increase?
Some factors increase the chances of contracting hepatitis C, including the following
Sharing sharps used in drug use.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol.
poor nutrition
Work in hospitals and medical centers.
Doing long-term dialysis.
Frequent travel to endemic places with poor sanitation.
