Hepatitis C: Part II. Prevention counseling and medical evaluation

An estimated 3.9 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV ), and most do not know that they are infected. This group includes persons who are at risk for HCV-associated chronic liver disease and who also serv e as reservoirs for transmission of HCV to others. Because there is no vacc ine to prevent HCV infection and immune globulin is not effective for poste xposure prophylaxis, prevention of HCV infection is paramount. Patients who are at risk of exposure to HCV should be advised on steps they might take to minimize their risk of infection. Patients who are infected with HCV sho uld be counseled on ways to prevent transmission of HCV to others and to av oid hepatotoxins. They should also be examined for liver disease and referr ed for treatment, if indicated.