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How can I protect myself from getting hepatitis C?

• If you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program. If you can't stop, never reuse or share syringes, drug bottles, spoons, water, or works.
• Do not engage in activities that could expose you to someone’s blood. Even very very small  (unobservable) amounts of blood can transmit the virus (unlike with HIV).
• Use your own blood for transfusions whenever possible.
• You should get vaccinated against hepatitis A & B.
• You should use latex condoms correctly and every time you have intercourse -- although more for protection against AIDS and hepatitis B than hepatitis C. People with multiple sexual partners should always practice safe sex. Monogamous long-term partners should make an informed decision as to whether or not to change their sexual practices. The general consensus is that most monogamous couples do not need to change their sexual practices to avoid hepatitis C.  Discuss this with your doctor.

Health care workers may be exposed to someone else's blood in the course of their work.  Immediate treatment with medication can help prevent an accidental exposure from becoming an infection.  The CDC has published guidelines for post-exposure prophylaxis:  http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5011a1.htm 

There is no need to change daily family or personal routines simply because one member of a family has this infection. It is not necessary to use separate washrooms or eating utensils, for example. Nor is it appropriate to limit expressions of affection. Hug your children often.

Because of the way HCV mutates in the body, prior infection does not protect against re-infection with the same or different genotypes of the virus (unlike with hepatitis B). For this reason, there is no effective vaccine available.