Injuries and accidents

What is there's an injury at home?

Hepatitis C is contracted when infected blood gets into another person's bloodstream through blood to blood contact, so it is important to know what to do if you bleed as a result of an injury or accident.

Small cuts or grazes can be treated at home but it is important to clean up all blood spills properly.

What if it's an accident or injury at work?

Medical staff in this country are trained to protect themselves from any infection they may be exposed to in the course of their work. However, if you bleed as a result of a larger injury or accident and you need hospital treatment, it would be a good idea to tell them that you are Hep C positive. You may feel it's the right thing to do if the person treating you before you get to hospital is likely to be unaware of the risks. Especially if that person may also be injured or bleeding.

It's also a good idea to give permission to your next of kin to inform healthcare workers of your Hep C status. That way, if you are ever taken to hospital unconscious, the medical team are aware you have the virus.

If you feel uneasy about giving out this information, it might help to know that healthcare professionals come across confidential situations like this every day. They don't have time to dwell on how you got this virus because they are completely focused on helping you get better.