LIFE, HEP C, AND YOU

As you work with your Hep C Specialist toward a cure, you may have some questions about your everyday activities. Here are some simple, easy-to-follow steps for taking care of yourself and your loved ones.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PREVENTING FURTHER LIVER DAMAGE

Call 844-9-HEPCHOPE to speak with a Hep C Educator or sign up below.

We’re here to light the way with helpful information, a Hep C Specialist appointment guide, facts about managing Hep C, and EAT WELL LIVE WELL, a guide to healthy eating.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Even before you begin Hep C treatment, making some healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of further liver damage. Here are some suggestions:

Stop drinking alcohol: Consuming alcohol can speed up liver damage.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of liver disease.
Move toward a healthy weight: If you are overweight, losing weight may decrease the risk of liver damage.
Stay active: Walk or do some physical activity every day to maintain your overall health. (Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new physical activity.)
Eat a well-balanced diet: This can make it easier for the liver to do its job.

HOW TO PREVENT SPREADING HEP C

The Hep C virus isn’t spread by casual contact, like the common cold or flu. It’s only spread through blood-to-blood contact. But to lower the risk of passing it to your loved ones, take a few basic precautions:

Look out for blood: When you have Hep C, anyone who comes in contact with your blood could be at risk of getting it. If you cut yourself, clean up any blood spills quickly with bleach and water.
Don’t share personal items: Your toothbrush, nail clippers, and razors may come in contact with blood.

HEP C IN THE WORKPLACE

To minimize the risk of transmitting the Hep C virus at work, take the same basic precautions you do at home. You may find it helpful to disclose your diagnosis to co-workers, but you don’t have to.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people not be excluded from work, school, or other activities just because they have Hep C.
You’re not generally required to tell your employer or co-workers anything about your condition.
You may be required to disclose your condition to your insurance company.

CONNECT WITH OTHERS WITH HEP C

There are many ways to find people like yourself who have been diagnosed with Hep C, are treating it, or have already been cured and want to share their stories. Your Hep C Specialist, local hospitals, and health agencies can put you in contact with some of those people in your area. Online support communities can be great resources for you, too.

Helpful Resources

YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

Call 844-9-HEPCHOPE to speak with a Hep C Educator or sign up below.

We’re here to light the way with helpful information, a Hep C Specialist appointment guide, facts about managing Hep C, and EAT WELL LIVE WELL, a guide to healthy eating.