What topics should be discussed with patients who have HCV infection?
• Patients should be informed about the low but present risk for transmission with sex partners. • Sharing personal items that might have blood on them, such as toothbrushes or razors, can pose a risk to others. • Cuts and sores on the skin should be covered to keep from spreading infectious blood or secretions. • Donating blood, organs, tissue, or semen can spread HCV to others. • HCV is not spread by sneezing, hugging, holding hands, coughing, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, or through food or water. • Patients may benefit from a joining support group.
