There is no current vaccine for Hepatitis C. In 2013, however, researchers developed a drug called Sofosbuvir. Sofobuvir, along with other medical treatments, was shown to effectively cure a person of Hepatitis C.

To help reduce the transmission of Hepatitis C and other bloodborne pathogens, OSHA developed the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard in 1991. Also, Congress passed the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act in 2000. These infection control regulations created engineering standards to improve needlestick protection for healthcare workers.

To reduce the chances of contracting the Hepatitis C virus or other bloodborne pathogens, a person should wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when around blood or handling body fluids, regularly disinfect and sanitize hands, and adequately disinfect and sanitize surfaces and materials that have blood. Bloodborne pathogens can survive outside the human body for up to 7 days, however, the Hepatitis C virus can survive up to 4 days outside the human body on a stable environmental surface. To properly disinfectant bloodborne pathogens, a chemical cleaner with a bloodborne pathogen claim should be used.

For a listing of Multi-Clean liquid disinfectants or disinfecting wipes that are effective on Hepatitis C, please visit Multi-Clean’s Infection Control webpage.

For more information about Hepatitis B, check out the Hepatitis C Infection & Disease, or the CDC webpage.