Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by an enveloped virus that is not related to the hepatitis A or B virus.

Transmission routes

Unlike hepatitis B, hepatitis C is predominantly transmitted through contact with blood and blood products. However, a reliable test for hepatitis C has been available since the early 1990s, so that transmission of hepatitis C, formerly known as hepatitis non A non B, through donor blood has become extremely rare in Germany. There is a high risk of infection when cannulas are reused among drug users, up to 90% of whom are infected with hepatitis C after many years of drug use. Other sources of infection include unsterilized needles used for tattooing and earlobe piercing, as well as piercing. Transmission through sexual contact cannot be ruled out, but is primarily associated with injury-prone sexual practices. The risk of infection from mother to child before or during birth is 3 to 5%.

Incubation period

The incubation period is 1 to 5 months.

Clinical course

Most hepatitis C infections go unnoticed or with flu-like symptoms. Mild acute liver inflammation with yellowing of the eyes and skin is observed in one quarter of cases. The disease progresses to a chronic form in about 50 to 85% of cases.

How do I protect myself and others from infection?

Always use disposable gloves when treating wounds (first aid, etc.). -Protect yourself from direct contact with blood (or other body fluids), especially if you injure your own skin or mucous membranes. Use a condom when having sexual intercourse with unknown or infectious partners. -Use your own toothbrushes, razors, nail scissors (etc.) for personal hygiene. -Use only germ-free instruments when tattooing and piercing. Treatment options : Acute hepatitis C can be treated with special medications, of course only in consultation with the treating physician.

Vaccination:

There is no vaccination available yet.

What are the regulations for community facilities?

Children or caregivers who have contracted hepatitis C may, as long as their general health permits, return to community facilities, as there is no specific risk of infection. Exceptions to this rule are children with unusually aggressive behavior (biting), bleeding tendencies, or severe skin conditions. Here, the decision must be made individually in consultation with the Office of Health and Consumer Protection. There is no obligation on the part of the parents to inform the management of the facility about the child's illness, as long as no other agreement has been made contractually. However, notification is recommended so that required hygiene measures, such as wearing disposable gloves in case of injury, can be followed all the more decisively. This is in accordance with the recommendations for readmission to schools and other community facilities.