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Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. Thehepatitis C virus is also known as the HCV virus. Hepatitis C transmissionusually occurs through blood transfusions, hemodialysis, and needle sticks. HCVis responsible for most transfusion-associated hepatitis C. Cirrhosis and cancercan result from damage done to the liver by the hepatitis C virus.

There is no cure or vaccine for hepatitis C. There is only prevention. If youwish to avoid becoming infected with hepatitis C, take the following preventionsteps:

Hepatitis C Prevention Tip 1: Do not use intravenous drugs. If you shoot drugs,stop and seek the help of a treatment program. If you can't stop, never shareneedles, syringes, water. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A & B.

Hepatitis C Prevention Tip 2: Do not share personal care items that might haveblood on them, like razors and toothbrushes.

Hepatitis C Prevention Tip 3: If you are a health care or public safety worker,always follow routine barrier precautions. Be sure to handle needles and othersharp objects carefully and safely. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C Prevention Tip 4: If you are thinking about getting a tattoo orhaving a body part pierced, be extremely careful. You might get infected if thetools have someone else's blood.

Hepatitis C Prevention Tip 5: Hepatitis C can be spread by sexual contact, butthis is rare. If you are having sex with more than one steady sex partner, it'srecommended that you use latex condoms correctly, and use them every time youhave intercourse. You should also get vaccinated against hepatitis B.If you are HCV positive, do not donate blood, organs, or tissue.

Some patients with hepatitis C benefit from treatment with interferon alpha or acombination of interferon alpha and ribavirin.

Rest may be recommended during the acute phase of the disease when the symptomsare most severe.

People with hepatitis C should also be careful not to take vitamins, nutritionalsupplements, or new over-the-counter medications without first discussing itwith a doctor.

Any substance that's toxic to the liver, or hepatotoxic, can be dangerous forsomeone who has been infected by hepatitis C. You should stop drinking alcohol.Even moderate amounts of alcohol can be dangerous because they speed up theprogression of hepatitis C. Alcohol reduces the effectiveness of hepatitis Ctreatment.

For information on alternatives to traditional means of treating hepatitis C,see http://www.hepatitisc.name/alternativehepatitisctreatment.htm.

For more information on treatment with medicines, click on http://www.hepatitisc.name/hepatitiscmedication.htm