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.