If you can’t get treated for HCV while you’re locked up
There may be limitations on who is eligible for treatment in prison or
jail. Doctors will consider many factors, including your current liver
health, the length of your sentence, and your medical history.
If you have been told that you are not eligible for HCV treatment or
you have to wait:
	

Ask questions so you know why it is being delayed or denied

	

Follow procedures at your facility to get more answers

	
	
	

Continue to see your nurses and doctors regularly to stay 	
healthy, monitor your liver, catch any problems early, and 	
prepare for treatment in the future

	

	

Make sure you get copies of your medical records during 	
release so you can follow up with your doctor

	
	

Ask your facility to help you sign up for health insurance or 	
Medicaid when you are 	released from custody

	
	
	

After release, consider enrolling in patient assistance 		
programs offered by drug companies or ask about clinical 	
trials

While it may be frustrating to wait for treatment, know that many
people live with hepatitis C for years without problems. Ask your
doctor or someone you trust for more information. You may also write
to the NHCN at the address below to ask questions.

BE SAFE. BE HEALTHY.
LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ABOUT HEPATITIS C.
The National Hepatitis Corrections Network
911 Western Ave, Suite 302
Seattle, WA 98104
www.hcvinprison.org

HEPATITIS C

IN PRISON AND JAIL

Produced by:

NATIONAL HEPATITIS CORRECTIONS NETWORK

WHAT IS HEPATITIS C (HCV)?

ARE HEPATITIS SERVICES PROVIDED IN PRISONS AND JAILS?

Hepatitis C, also called “HCV,” is a virus
that can hurt your
liver.
It is spread through infected blood.
Most people do not
have symptoms from HCV right away, but without treatment, HCV can
cause severe liver damage called cirrhosis. There are medications that
can cure HCV.
Many people in prison or jail in the USA have HCV.

In prison or jail, you may have access to medical services for hepatitis.
Remember, every prison and jail is different, meaning some services
may not be available. Ask your doctors and nurses about what’s
available, and follow up regularly.

HOW DO I GET HEPATITIS C (HCV)?
You get HCV when the blood of someone who has HCV gets into your
body through an open cut or an open sore.

Most common ways to get hepatitis C (HCV):
Sharing needles, cookers, cottons, water and other injection
drug equipment *Boiling, burning, or rinsing needles with water

or bleach does NOT fully protect against HCV transmission!

Sharing tattoo needles, tattoo ink, tattoo guns, or piercing
equipment
1991

Blood transfusions that occurred before 1992

Other ways to get hepatitis C (HCV):
Sharing straws or dollars for snorting drugs
Sharing hygiene equipment such as razors, toothbrushes,
and clippers
Getting into fights
Unsafe, unprotected, or rough sexual activity especially if
blood is present or if one partner has HIV
Blood spills that are not well cleaned

It is NOT possible to get hepatitis C (HCV) by:
Casual contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing food
or drinks
Simply living in a cell or unit with others
Eating or drinking in the chow hall
Sharing a toilet or shower
Playing sports in the yard or gym

Hepatitis C is curable:
HCV is treatable and it is curable for most people. Since 2013,
many new medications have been released to treat HCV.
Treatment can be complicated and your doctor will help you
decide which treatment is right for you.

Vaccines for hepatitis A and B:
Getting vaccinated prevents you from getting a virus even if you
are exposed. You can’t be vaccinated for hepatitis C, but you
can be vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. For people with
hepatitis C, it’s very important to be vaccinated for hepatitis A
and B.

Hepatitis C testing:
There are two parts to HCV testing: an Antibody Test is usually
done first, and can detect exposure to the virus. The second test
is called a Viral Load Test, and it confirms whether or not you
have a current HCV infection.

Monitoring your liver:
Doctors can monitor your liver’s health. Some tests include APRI
score, liver function tests, fibroscan, and biopsy. Ask your doctor
which tests are available.

If you get cured:
Even if your HCV infection is cured it is possible to get reinfected. Stay safe and healthy even after treatment.

How to stay as healthy as possible if you have HCV:
Things you should do:

Things you should avoid:

See your health
provider often

Alcoholic beverages (beer, 	
wine, liquor)

Eat well and exercise when 		
possible

Non-prescribed drugs (also 	
marijuana)

Learn as much as you can
about HCV

Over-the-counter drugs with
acetaminophen (Tylenol)