Low Risk Behaviors - 2
Sex and Menstruation
If you have sex outside a long-term monogamous relationship wear a condom. Research shows an increased risk of HCV infection for people with multiple sexual partners. Statistics show that 20% of people treated for sexually transmitted diseases also had HCV. Statistics also showed 20% of the people who engaged in rough sex which included blood exchange tested positive for HCV.
Conflicting research shows between 1 to 7% chance of infection within a monogamous relationship. It is unclear if the virus is transmitted through sex, sharing grooming equipment, giving first-aid (changing a partner's bandage or dressing without protective latex gloves) or other behaviors.If you have sex during menstruation wear a condom and remove it while wearing latex gloves and place them in plastic bags. Dispose of tampons or sanitary napkins in a similar manner.
Pregnancy and Birth
If a mother is positive for HCV, she has a 1 to 5% chance of transmitting the virus to her baby; and slightly higher if the mother is using intravenous drugs during her pregnancy. If the mother has acute HCV during the last trimester of pregnancy, there is a 44 - 88% the baby will be infected. If the mother is positive for both HCV and HIV, she has a 35% chance of transmitting the HCV virus to her baby. The baby can not be tested for HCV until after his/her first birthday.
There is not enough research to determine if breast-milk transmits HCV. Some research says it is safe to breast feed and others recommend you abstain.
HCV and Alcohol
The Web Page of Dr. C. Everett Koop, once Surgeon General of the USA, states drinking alcohol does not transmit hepatitis C, but heavy drinking can make the liver more susceptible to the virus. Reuters Health says drinking while having HCV can quadruple your chances of cirrhosis and end stage liver disease. The Canadian Hepatitis Information Network states there is a higher level of HCV virus found in chronic alcoholics. The amount of alcohol consumed is proportional to the severity of liver injury. Prior excessive use of alcohol gave a higher rate of hepatocellular carcinoma, hindered effectiveness of treatment and resulted in poorer survival rates.
HCV and Tobacco
Brian Boyle states cigarette smoking increases the risk for liver disease in patients with HCV.
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