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Epidemiology Corner July 9, 1999
Hepatitis C (continued) (Hepatitis C - continued from last issue) What options are available for treating hepatitis C? The medications interferon (used alone) or in combination with ribavirin are the drugs currently used to treat hepatitis C. These medications suppress the activity of the hepatitis C virus, which means they slow down the virus to make fewer copies of itself, which slows down the progression of the disease. These two medications are expensive and have had varying degrees of success. How can you protect yourself from hepatitis C infection? The best way to protect yourself from hepatitis C is to use common sense. Clean up spilled blood with bleach and always wear gloves when touching blood. Do not share any products that could cause an exposure to blood, like razors, toothbrushes and needles. In addition, always practice safe sex by using the appropriate means of protection. For more information about hepatitis C, call the HDHHS Bureau of Epidemiology at 713-794-9181. |
