You Can Still Get Hepatitis C After It's Cured! Protect Yourself.
Date: 05/05/22
Hepatitis C (Hep C or HCV) is spread by direct contact with an infected person's blood. The symptoms of the Hep C virus can be very similar to those of the hepatitis A and B viruses. However, infection with the Hep C virus can lead to chronic liver disease.
Hep C acts very slowly – most people don’t have any symptoms. Even without symptoms, liver conditions can develop 10 to 30+ years after being infected. That’s why people can have Hep C for decades without knowing it.
Good news is that there are new and improved treatments available that can cure Hep C in 95% of people. Treatment is usually one pill a day for a few months.
As a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member, your Hep C treatment is covered at no cost to you!
Remember: Even if you are cured, you can get infected with Hep C again.
Preventing Hep C Infection
There is no vaccine to prevent Hep C. That is why it is important to find ways to prevent getting Hep C, even if you’ve been cured in the past.
The CDC estimates that 75% of new Hep C infections are from sharing injection drug use equipment. All equipment used to prepare and inject drugs can spread Hep C when contaminated and shared.
It is important to never share drug use equipment including: needles, syringes, cotton, rinse water, cookers, spoons, straws or pipes or any other drug use supplies.
Hep C is easily spread when people share syringes. Always use a new sterile syringe. If you don’t have a sterile syringe, rinsing with either bleach or water is better than nothing. Research suggests that bleach is effective in neutralizing Hep C most of the time. You can also find a Syringe Service program near you that will provide you with a free clean syringe.
Syringe Service Programs in Louisiana
Syringe Service programs are available in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These programs offer free clean syringes, HIV and HCV testing, and access to care and support services. Find a location here»
Reducing Sexual Hep C Risk
Although it’s not as common, Hep C can be spread through sex. People who have multiple sex partners are at higher risk of getting Hep C. Using condoms during sex can reduce the risk of getting Hep C.
Getting Tested for Hep C
If you have ever injected drugs, you should get tested for Hep C. If you are currently injecting, talk to your doctor about how often you should be tested.
Need support? The HELP-4-HEP toll-free, confidential Hep C support line offers over-the-phone support. They will provide information, help you find local resources, and connects you to peer counselors who can help with your journey to better health. Call 877-435-7443 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To learn more about Hep C visit https://ldh.la.gov/page/1012. To get connected to treatment visit: https://www.louisianahealthhub.org/sexual-health-and-stds/hepatitis/testing-treatment/ or to see a map of treatment locations near you visit: http://ldh.la.gov/HepCTreatment.