Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. The most common ways that hepatitis C is spread include:
It’s important to note that hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food or drinks, or using the same restrooms. It is important to test for Hepatitis C and get medical treatment if needed to prevent the virus from progressing to chronic infection.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken daily that can help prevent the contraction of HIV. It works by blocking the virus from entering and infecting cells in the body. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV.
While missing doses of PrEP can decrease its effectiveness in preventing HIV infection, it still has some level of protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that even if someone misses several doses, the medication still provides some level of protection against HIV.
It’s important to note that if you miss doses of PrEP or stop taking it altogether, your risk of contracting HIV increases. For maximum protection, it’s recommended to take PrEP consistently and as prescribed. To ensure that you continue to receive the protection you need, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about strategies to help you stay on track with your PrEP regimen. At LifeLine Health, we can help.
It’s also worth to note that taking PrEP alone may not protect against other sexually transmitted infections and other protective measures such as regular testing, barrier methods, and practicing safer sex should be used in conjunction with PrEP.
There are several ways to prevent the contraction and spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs):
1. Abstinence: Avoiding sexual contact altogether is the most effective way to prevent STDs. 2. Condom use: Consistently and correctly using condoms during sexual activity can greatly reduce the risk of contracting STDs. 3. Regular testing: Getting tested for STDs on a regular basis and discussing your sexual health with your partner(s) is important to ensure early detection and treatment. 4. Vaccinations: Getting vaccinated for certain STDs such as HPV and Hepatitis B can help prevent their contraction. 5. Limiting the number of sexual partners: Having fewer sexual partners decreases the risk of contracting an STD. 6. PrEP: for HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken daily that can help prevent the contraction of HIV 7. PEP: for HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication that can be taken after possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection. 8. Get treated if you do have an STD. Many STDs can be treated and cured, which helps prevent their spread.
It’s important to remember that STDs can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated, and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your partners. If you have any concerns or questions about your sexual health, please contact LifeLine Health today.
Concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are valid, and it’s natural to wonder if hepatitis C is one you should be aware of. Currently, around 50 million people are infected with this virus globally, and about 1 million people are newly diagnosed each year.
Hepatitis C is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection but rather as a bloodborne virus. It is primarily spread through direct contact with infected blood. However, under certain circumstances, it can be transmitted sexually, particularly in situations involving high-risk behaviors. Understanding how hepatitis C is spread, along with current testing and treatment options, empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
Hepatitis C is primarily contracted through blood, which means that you are less likely to get the illness through sexual contact. However, keep in mind that people in intimate relationships may share other lifestyle practices that increase the risk of transmission.
For instance, the CDC recommends avoiding sharing razors, toothbrushes and nail clippers, even among married or cohabitating couples. These items could carry blood containing the virus that may pass to the uninfected person if they receive a cut on their skin or mouth.
The primary way hepatitis C is transmitted is through repeated or significant exposure to blood infected with the virus. While blood transfusions were once a common source of transmission, improved screening methods have considerably reduced this risk.
Since the 1970s, the primary method of transmission for hepatitis C has been injection drug use. Sharing needles raises the risk of hepatitis C transmission due to repeated exposure to infected blood. To minimize this risk, individuals who use injectable drugs should avoid sharing needles, even with close family members or friends. Additionally, using new, sterile needles and syringes each time can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection. For those struggling with substance use, seeking support through treatment programs can also be a crucial step in preventing hepatitis C. Drug use can result in poor decision-making, increasing the likelihood that individuals will use a dirty needle or engage in risky sex.
Hepatitis C is primarily found in blood, so the risk of transmission through oral sex is generally low. However, the risk can increase in situations with potential blood exposure. For instance, any sexual activity that causes abrasions, such as rough or vigorous intercourse and the use of sex toys that might cause micro-tears, can raise the risk of transmission.
Other types of sexual activity are more likely to transmit the virus than oral sex. But it is possible to spread the virus that way if someone has sores or abrasions in their mouth that expose them to blood from the other person’s body.
While oral sex carries a lower risk compared to other forms of sexual activity, it’s still important to be cautious. Using barrier methods, such as condoms or dental dams, can further reduce the risk by preventing the exchange of bodily fluids and minimizing exposure.
One of the biggest challenges the healthcare system faces with halting the spread of hepatitis C is that many people experience no or very mild symptoms in the early stages of the illness. Some people might not even know that they have the condition until they undergo routine testing, such as during pregnancy. Others might not know that they have the illness until it causes liver damage that begins to impact their life.
It is also important to note that hepatitis C comes in two forms: acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis C lasts six months or less, and the body clears the virus on its own. Unfortunately, about 75% to 85% of people with the virus will eventually develop chronic hepatitis C. For these people, the condition doesn’t go away without medical treatment.
In the earliest stages of infection, you might notice only vague symptoms such as nausea, fever, or a headache. Jaundice, yellowing of the eyes and skin, might also occur. As the virus progresses, you could begin to notice symptoms of long-term infection such as the following:
Although all these symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare provider, it’s essential to let them know if you have engaged in behaviors that may have exposed you to hepatitis C. Testing for the condition can help you get the treatment you need to feel better.
Getting tested for serious blood-transmitted diseases can be scary, but it is beneficial to be aware of your health status. Being tested for hepatitis C can help you avoid spreading the illness to people you care about. If you test positive for the hepatitis virus, then you also have options for treatment that can restore your health and prevent chronic liver damage.
At LifeLine Health, we offer both testing and treatment resources to prevent the spread of hepatitis in our community. We urge you to consider testing if you:
Although everyone over the age of 18 is encouraged to undergo testing at least once in their life, there are certain members of the population that should test regularly. For instance, you may need a test regularly if you have an ongoing risk factor, such as continuing to use injectable drugs. If you have liver disease or receive medical treatments such as hemodialysis, then you should also request more frequent testing.
If you receive a positive test result, then try your best to avoid feeling too anxious. The good news is that modern healthcare providers have treatment options available that can potentially cure the illness. At the very least, starting treatment can halt the condition’s progress.
Safe and effective treatments for hepatitis C have been available for over 10 years. But few people take advantage of them within a year of contracting the virus. Early testing can allow you to take advantage of treatments before liver damage occurs. Even in the later stages of the disease, you still have hope for effective treatment.
Direct-acting antiviral medications are the primary form of treatment for hepatitis C. Currently, 95% of people who use these medications are cured within eight to 12 weeks. The antiviral medications have very few side effects, but you’ll need to let your doctor know if you experience symptoms such as dizziness or vision changes during your treatment.
Also during your treatment, your healthcare team may make recommendations to ensure your overall well-being. The same risk factors that are associated with hepatitis C can raise your chances of having other health problems. Your treatment team may recommend testing for HIV and hepatitis B to ensure that you don’t have co-existing conditions that also need attention.
Since hepatitis C can cause liver damage, you may also need testing to ensure that your body’s organs are in good condition. If you have cirrhosis of the liver, you’ll need to follow a treatment plan tailored to this condition while taking your antiviral medications. Managing cirrhosis involves medications to reduce liver inflammation, regular monitoring to assess liver function, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to effectively manage both hepatitis C and cirrhosis to improve your overall liver health.
While you wait for the medicine to work, it also helps to follow other healthy lifestyle practices. If you use injectable drugs, then seeking treatment for substance use can help you avoid secondary exposures. You can also eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to give your body the energy and nutrients it needs to heal.
If you struggle mentally or emotionally, reach out to one of your care team members. Many people with long-term or chronic conditions benefit from receiving mental health services. Talking to a therapist or participating in group counseling sessions can help you maintain a positive mindset during your recovery.
There currently isn’t a vaccine that can stop someone from catching hepatitis C. Instead, the best way to prevent the condition is to avoid contact with other people’s blood, especially if they are known virus carriers.
Healthcare workers should always follow proper working protocols, such as wearing personal protection equipment (PPE). If needle sticks or other exposures occur, then following the appropriate procedures for reporting and testing can enable you to get help right away.
If you use intravenous drugs, then it’s important to avoid sharing needles with others. Although harm reduction efforts can lower your chances of contracting hepatitis C, they aren’t always effective if you frequently engage in injectable drug use. Choosing to seek help to embrace a sober lifestyle gives you the highest chance of avoiding this infection.
In addition to avoiding sharing needles, it is important to engage in safer sex practices. Latex condoms and approved lubricants during sexual activity can reduce your risk for infection.
If you know your status is positive, you can also be proactive about preventing the spread of the disease by abstaining from activities that heighten the risk for others. For instance, mothers with hepatitis C can safely breastfeed their babies. However, you might need to refrain if you have cracked or bleeding nipples that could transmit the virus to your little one.
When you have a concern or are unsure of the safety of an activity, reach out to a healthcare professional who can give you the answers you need.
Discovering whether you have hepatitis C doesn’t have to be daunting. At LifeLine Health, we are dedicated to helping individuals assess their risk, understand their status, and take proactive steps to prevent bloodborne illnesses like HIV and hepatitis C. Our expert team is here to provide you with comprehensive testing and personalized guidance. Reach out to us today to schedule a convenient appointment where we can address all your questions and help you take control of your health.
I am thankful to the nice people at Lifeline Health. I was so scared when I found out I had been exposed. They guided me and made me feel so at ease. I have not had an issues and I know it's because I went to Lifeline Health first.
Thankfully there are places like Lifeline Health to get tested. This place is lowering the risk for our community by educating us and providing the resources to stay healthy. They are making positive changes in the community.
Connect with a Lifeline Health staff member in-person at your local health center to receive the care you need. You can conveniently make an appointment online to get started.
Thanks for the payment. Your test results will be sent to cristina@gmail.com within a few days.
