Right now, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. But there are things you can do to protect yourself from infection. The most important thing is to avoid other people's blood or things that might have other people's blood on them.

Here are some suggestions:

• Do not shoot drugs. If you shoot drugs, stop and ask your doctor about a treatment program. While you wait for enrollment in a treatment program, do not share or reuse needles or other equipment, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
• Don't share personal items that might have blood on them. These items include razors, toothbrushes, and personal health supplies.
• Consider the risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them, or if the artist or piercer does not follow good health practices, such as washing hands and using disposable gloves.
• Practice safer sex. Hepatitis C can be spread by sex, though it is rare for this to happen. Talk with your sex partner about hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted diseases. Use a latex barrier, such as a condom (or rubber), every time you have sex. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
• If you are a health care worker, follow standard precautions. Handle needles and other sharps safely. Report every needlestick or other injury on the job to your supervisor. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
• Talk with your doctor about hepatitis C. Your doctor can provide you with more information about how to protect yourself from hepatitis C infection. These suggestions also may help protect you from other diseases, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and HBV (hepatitis B virus).

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