Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C virus is also known as the HCV virus. Cirrhosis and cancer
can result from damage done to the liver by the hepatitis C virus.

There is no cure or vaccine for hepatitis C. Just prevention. To keep from getting hepatitis C, take the following four precautions:

1. Do not share personal care items that might could have blood on them. Such as a shaver, nail clippers, or even a toothbrush. This also includes those needles they use for tattoos and anything to do with piercing the body.
2. Stay away from non-prescription intravenous drugs. If you must, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
3. If you work in health care, or are a fireman or are a policeman, get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
4. Hepatitis C can be spread by sexual contact. If you are having sex with more than one steady sex partner, it's recommended to use a condom each time. You should also get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

What to Do if You Have Hepatitis C

Talk to your doctor to see if treatment with interferon alpha or a combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin can help you. Don't take any nutritional supplements without seeing your doctor first. Avoid alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous because they speed up the progression of the hepatitis C (alcohol also reduces the effectiveness of hepatitis C treatment).