Hepatitis C

Transmission

Hepatitis C can't be caught by hugging, sharing plates, cutlery or washing machines. Although HCV is rarely passed on sexually, all sexually active people need to consider safe sex due to the range of sexually transmissible diseases with which they can become infected. There is a small chance the virus will be passed on to a baby during pregnancy or at birth. The risk is increased if the mother has only just become infected (or reinfected) or if she has serious liver damage. HCV does not seem to be passed on via breast milk.

Self management

People with hepatitis C can consider the following actions to improve their health:

Stop drinking alcohol, or cut down alcohol intake
Consider having hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations
Eat a balanced diet
Learn how to manage stress
Seek counselling if needed
Rest when feeling unwell
When taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs, check with a doctor and follow the directions carefully