Measures to prevent Hepatitis C infection

I REFER to the recent news that about 500,000 people may have Hepatitis C in our country, in the report “#MYXHEPC kicks off on World Hepatitis Day” (Star2, July 27).

At first glance, this news may seem shocking but when we realise that the number of drug addicts in the country is on the rise, then the acceptance of the situation will sink in.

According to the recently released United Nations report, Malaysia is one of the 10 countries in the world which collectively accounted for over 95% of all new HIV infections in the Asia-Pacific region.

And Hepatitis C infection plays a role in this scenario as drug addiction is involved.

There is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C infection. But we can take some measures to prevent infection.

Hepatitis C can only be transmitted through blood transfer. A miniscule amount of infected blood is enough to cause one to contract the disease.

Drug addicts are prone to this disease as they form the bulk of intravenous drug users. They are at greatest risk of becoming infected with Hepatitis C because many share needles. The virus may also be present in other equipment used with illicit drugs. Even sharing a straw or a bank note when snorting cocaine can lead to Hepatitis C transmission. Bleeding in the nasal passages frequently occurs when snorting cocaine this way, and microscopic droplets may enter the straw and be passed on to the next user, even though they can’t be seen.

Medical staff, like nurses or healthcare workers, need to be extra careful to avoid coming into direct contact with blood. Tools that are used to draw blood in clinics should be discarded safely or sterilised appropriately to prevent Hepatitis C infection.

Many items that we routinely use on a daily basis will occasionally be exposed to blood. For instance, people often accidentally cut themselves while shaving, or their gums may bleed while brushing their teeth. Even microscopic amounts of blood can potentially infect someone, so it is vital not to share personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, nail and hair clippers, and scissors. Such items should be kept separate and out of the reach of children.

Tattooing parts of the body seems to be gaining traction these days, especially among the younger generation. Unless sanitary measures by an expert tattoo artist are adopted – where separate disposable needles and ink wells are used for each customer – Hepatitis C would be a real threat. Only use the services of a licensed tattoo artist who follows appropriate sanitary procedures. A new, disposable needle and ink well should be used for each customer.

If one is suffering from a sexually transmitted disease like HIV, then there is a greater chance of contracting Hepatitis C through sex.

With modern technology, our life spans have increased – but that does not necessarily mean we are living well.

DR A SOORIAN

Seremban, Negri Sembilan