Risk Factors

• By far the biggest risk factor is drug use, especially, but not limited to, injection drug use. If you ever injected drugs, even if you only did it once or twice, you should get tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV)  and hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you shared drug snorting things like straws and bills, or crack pipes, there is a lesser risk.
• People who got blood transfusions or by-products prior to 1992 should be tested.
• Tattoos or body piercings received in unsanitary conditions (including prisons).
• People like EMT’s, police, hospital workers, and patients who undergo medical procedures and come into exposure to blood.
• Military veterans are disproportionately impacted and many cases are service-connected. 

HBV can be transmitted sexually. Sexual transmission of HCV appears to be rare, although multiple sex partners and unsafe practices where there is a possibility of bleeding presents a higher risk. Based on research to date, people in monogamous, heterosexual and homosexual relationships where one partner has HCV do not need to take special precautions outside of avoiding sex during menstruation or when open sores are present. People outside of monogamous relationships living with HCV should consider practicing safer sex guidelines encouraged for HIV prevention. The use of  barriers like condoms is the surest way to avoid sexually transmitted disease.

Avoid sharing things like razors and toothbrushes and nail clippers where there is a risk of blood to blood transmission. Remember, while the CDC can't seem to come up with proven prevention guidelines, HCV transmission appears to require blood to blood contact. Let common sense rule.

If you are still using drugs, do not put others at risk by sharing works. Consider drug treament options. Abstinence from drugs and alcohol is the best choice but there are other options like drug substitution therapy and needle exchange programs that can lessen the harm for those not ready for abstinence. The continued use of alcohol and some drugs increases the risk of developing serious liver disease. Meth and cocaine are tough on people with liver disease and weakened immune systems.

Contact a needle exchange program listed below for info on drug treatment and HCV, HBV, and HIV counselling and testing referrals..

Boston:1-800-383-2437 or 1-617-771-2138

Cambridge: 1-617-661-3040 or 1-617-680-1063

Northampton: 1-800-696-7752 or 1-413-586-0310

Provincetown: 1-508-487-8311 or 1-886-668-6448

Posted: Fri, Apr 11, 2008 07:48 AM
Updated Fri, Oct 23, 2009 12:00 AM