Sharing toothbrushes puts us at risk of getting Hepatitis C

I REFER to the article “500,000 people may have Hepatitis C” (NST, July 21).

At first glance, this news may seem shocking, but when we realise that the number of drug addicts is rising, then the acceptance of the situation will sink in.

A recently-released United Nations report stated that Malaysia was one of the 10 countries that collectively accounted for more than 95 per cent of new HIV infections in Asia-Pacific.

Hepatitis C infection plays a role in this scenario as drug addiction is involved.

There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C infection, but we can take measures to prevent from being infected with it. Hepatitis C is transmitted only through blood transfer and miniscule amounts of blood is enough to contract the disease.

Drug addicts are prone to this disease as they form the bulk of intravenous drug users. They are at greatest risk of becoming infected with Hepatitis C because many share needles.

Nurses and healthcare workers need to be careful to avoid coming into contact with blood.

Many items that we use daily will occasionally be exposed to blood. For instance, people often cut themselves while shaving, or their gums will bleed while brushing their teeth.

Even microscopic amounts of blood can infect someone, so it is vital not to share toothbrushes, razors, nail and hair clippers.

For tattooing, use only a licensed artist who follows appropriate sanitary procedures.

If you are suffering from a sexually transmitted disease like HIV, then there is a greater chance of contracting Hepatitis C through sex.

Our lifespans have increased with technology, but that does not mean we are living well.