Prevention - HEP C u later

Some people do not know they are living with the virus, so we advise that you take precautions;

Don’t share injecting drug use equipment

Always use clean equipment to inject drugs (this includes needles, water, cups, filters, spoons) keep your preparation areas separate. Use needle and syringe programmes (needle exchange) to make sure you always have clean and sterile works.

Don’t share snorting items

Snorting drugs increases your risk of getting Hep C. If you’re sharing notes, tubes, or straws tiny amounts of blood can be transferred from one person to another.

Use condoms

When having sex, condoms are your best defence against Hep C, as well as sexually transmitted infections and HIV. You can get free condoms from your local sexual health service. Transmission of Hep C is blood to blood, so anal sex or rough sex make an infection more likely, and sex whilst someone is menstruating (on their period) should be avoided.

If you’ve had Hep C before, carry on being careful

Even after someone has been treated for Hep C, they can still get the virus again, so it’s important that you stick to the advice above to reduce your chances of getting Hep C again.

If you have Hep C, or are living with someone who has Hep C …

You cannot get Hepatitis C from everyday behaviours, like cuddling and kissing.

There are some simple steps you can take to prevent the transmission even becoming possible.

Make sure that you keep your personal hygiene items, such as razors, toothbrushes and nail clippers separate to eliminate the chance of blood on blood contact.

How do I get Hep C?

Living with Hep C

Real Stories

Safer Injecting [YouTube video]

Preventing Hep C