Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). HCV is most common bloodborne infection in the U.S. There is currently no effective vaccine against Hepatitis C however, people with HCV do have different drug treatment options. Adult family home owners and staff members need to be aware of the Hepatitis C virus in order to minimize exposure risks and provide proper care to residents living with the infection.

Transmission

Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct blood to blood contact.

Common transmission routes include:

• The reuse or inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, especially syringes and needles in healthcare settings
• The transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products
• Injecting drug use through the sharing of injection equipment.

HCV can be passed from an infected mother to her baby and via sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood (for example, people with multiple sexual partners and among men who have sex with men); however, these modes of transmission are less common.

Hepatitis C is not spread through breast milk, food, water or casual contact such as hugging, kissing and sharing food or drinks with an infected person

Symptoms

Hepatitis C can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, long-term illness. The symptoms of a Hepatitis C infection include jaundice, fatigue, fever, joint pain, dark urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and long-term effects.

Hepatitis C can be cured in more than 95% of cases with just 8-12 weeks of well-tolerated oral-only treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents.

PPE

Person protective equipment (PPE) for Hepatitis C and other bloodborne pathogens include:

• Gloves
• Eye/face protection
• Face shields or masks
• Protective clothing (gown)
• Resuscitation devices

Proper PPE should be worn whenever a staff member has contact with blood, “Other Potentially Infectious Material” OPIM, mucous membranes or non-intact skin, draws blood, inserts an IV or other vascular access procedures, or handles/touches items or surfaces contaminated with blood or OPIM. In addition, if splashes, sprays or spatters of blood or OPIM to the face, skin or regular clothes could occur, adult family home staff members are required to wear protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.

Exposure

If an adult family home staff member is exposed to blood or OPIM, they should remove all contaminated clothing and follow this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) treatment procedure.

1. Wash needlesticks, cuts, and skin with soap and water.
2. Flush splashes to the nose and mouth with water.
3. Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or a sterile irrigant.
4. Report exposure incident to a supervisor.
5. Schedule visit to doctor as soon as possible.

For more information about bloodborne pathogen prevention, exposure and risk factors, review this Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Bloodborne Pathogens Training.

This blog is part of the Adult Family Home Industry Worker Safety Awareness Training Program created by the Adult Family Home Council, Long-Term Care Foundation of Washington State and PIM Savvy. Program funding and support for this project has been provided by the state of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries, Safety & Health Investment Projects.

Resources

Hepatitis C Basics | CDC
Hepatitis C | WHO
Clinical Care of Hepatitis C | Hepatitis C | CDC
Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens | Chapter 296-823 WAC
Blood and Body Fluid Exposure | CDC
Bloodborne Infectious Disease Risk Factors | CDC
Bloodborne pathogens | OSHA
Bloodborne Pathogens Training | WISHA, L&I