Hep in Tas - Prevention

Preventing the transmission of hepatitis C

Hepatitis is a preventable disease that affects the liver. There are a number of forms of hepatitis which are transmitted in different ways. The most commonly referred to are hepatitis A, B and C.

Hepatitis C is transmitted when infected blood from one person gets into the bloodstream of another person.

Around the Home or Workplace.

It only requires very small particles of blood which may not be visible to the naked eye. During regular, daily household and most workplace activities this is usually not a problem. However there are some things you should be mindful of. There is a small risk of contracting hepatitis C on items such as toothbrushes or razors where minute particle of blood may exist. But, remember that this can only happen if one person using the items already has hepatitis C.

Injecting Drug Use

Injecting drug use poses the highest risk of contracting hepatitis C. About 83% of people who have contracted hepatitis C in Australia got it through unsafe injecting drug use. So if you inject drugs you should not share any injecting equipment. This includes needles, syringes, tourniquets, swabs and spoons.

Clean injecting equipment is available through Needle and Syringe Program outlets across Tasmania and Australia. This is a free service however there may be limits on the number of items available to each individual each day. This varies across services and states. For more information about injecting drug use you can visit the TasCAHRD website at tascahrd.org.au

Health Care Settings

Transmission of hepatitis C in Australian health care settings is very rare. Prior to 1990 it is possible some people contracted hepatitis C through infected blood products. Today, our blood supplies are screened for viruses such as hepatitis C or HIV and are considered very safe.

All health care settings should, by law, be using universal infection control procedures which is sufficient to prevent the transmission of diseases, including viruses such as hepatitis and HIV.

All health care professionals are required to keep information about your hepatitis C status private and should also seek your consent to test for diseases such as hepatitis.

Unfortunately, some health care settings in other countries are not as stringent with infection control precautions, for varying reasons. This should be considered carefully if requiring invasive procedures (including injections) in countries with a high prevalence of blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis C or HIV.

Tattoos or Body Piercing

If you are considering a tattoo, body piercing or a service which may involve puncturing the skin then go to a registered practitioner who knows about and uses standard infection control procedures. This might include approved sterilisation procedures or single-use/disposable equipment.

Responsible practitioners will have their business registered with the local council and will be able to answer any questions about their practice.