Living with HCV

Living well with Hepatitis C is definitely possible. Here are some tips:

  • Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B.
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Avoid or limit alcohol intake
  • Cover cuts or open sores on the body
  • Practice safe sex
  • Do not donate blood or other organs
  • Do not share any type of drug equipment
  • Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or nail clippers
  • Consider treatment

Treatment

Start by getting informed and talking to your health care provider about treatment. Ask yourself if you are ready to commit to a program that requires you to:

  • Go to frequent appointments
  • Be free of drugs and alcohol
  • Be prepared for potential side effects of treatment
  • Not plan to conceive a child during treatment
  • Have good supports in place like friends, family, counselor, etc.

In Saskatoon, if you are interested in getting treatment for Hep C or HIV, you can ask your health care provider to refer you to:

The Positive Living Program
Royal University Hospital
103 Hospital Drive
Saskatoon, Canada
Phone: 655-1840

Treatment involves a combination of the drugs called peg-interferon and ribavirin. Treatment can last anywhere from 24 to 72 weeks. For more information on treatment for HCV, here's some great info from hepcinfo.ca (PDF).

Is it possible to catch Hepatitis C more than once?

Yes, a person can catch Hepatitis C more than once in their lifetime. There are several different types of Hepatitis C and even if you already have one strain, it is important to protect yourself because you can get re-infected with another strain. Even if a person successfully went through treatment for Hepatitis C, it is still possible to catch the virus again if they re-expose themselves through risky behaviour.

What about Hepatitis C in the workplace?

For information on Hepatitis C in the workplace visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (PDF).

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