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How Not To Spread Hepatitis C

© Sharon Nicholson

There are a great number of agencies who are currently doing research on how not to spread this virus. In fact, there are Hepatitis C support groups who are organizing themselves to reach out to Congress trying to get further funding. Twenty-eight million dollars have already been earmarked for finding a successful treatment and also creating a viable vaccine.

With 4 Million people in the United States testing positive and another 2 million HCV victims suspected of having the virus, the race is on to contain this growing wild fire.

The information on how not to catch this disease is broad. Some are convinced that you can get it through sexual intercourse and others are fairly sure that only direct blood contact during intercourse is dangerous.

Some people have transmitted HCV to their babies in the womb and others say it is very unlikely. Under 5% of infants born to infected mothers test positive.

Some General Practitioners tell their patients they can't get liver transplants if you have Hepatitis C. Yet one-third of all liver transplants are because of Hepatitis C.

This is one of the problems with trying to catch this tiger by the tail. The experts don't always agree.

However, there are sure fire ways to safeguard yourself from either spreading this virus or catching this virus.

Number one on the list is simple, don't share needles. If you are an IV drug user or your lover is, you are in very high risk group. Even snorting drugs could possibly spread this through blood on the straw.

Number two, if you are a health care worker, EMT, security operative or police officer use precaution. There are proper techniques in blood safety. Always assume your patients or suspects are infected, that way you always use precaution. Never let your guard down.

Number three, never share toothbrushes, razors or any other item that could harbor the virus. Remember this is a BLOOD born problem. It can live outside the body and be spread only through blood. If the Hepatitis C positive member of the family cuts themselves, make sure all fallen blood drops are cleaned with bleach if possible. If you are an infected female, be careful when you menstruate. Your blood can be deadly. Treat your used pads and tampons like they are a bomb waiting to go off. Never allow anyone else to handle them. Do not have intercourse with your partner during this phase. There are some studies that suggest that this is one way it can be sexually transmitted.

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