High temperatures of 185°F (85°C) or higher, sustained for at least one minute, will effectively kill the Hepatitis C virus.
Understanding Heat and Hepatitis C
Heat is a powerful tool for deactivating many viruses, including Hepatitis C (HCV). According to research, maintaining a high temperature for a specific duration is crucial for eliminating the virus.
Key Points about Heat and HCV:
- Effective Temperature: A temperature of 185°F (85°C) is required to kill the Hepatitis C virus.
- Minimum Duration: The high temperature must be maintained for at least one (1) minute to ensure the virus is deactivated.
- Applications: This principle applies to liquids and food items, as boiling or cooking at these temperatures effectively eliminates the virus.
- Freezing Temperatures: It's important to note that, unlike high heat, freezing temperatures do not kill the Hepatitis C virus.
Practical Applications
Knowing the temperatures required to kill Hep C is useful in various situations:
- Food Preparation: When preparing food for someone who has or may have been exposed to Hepatitis C, ensure that the food reaches and sustains the kill temperature.
- Sterilization: Ensure that medical and laboratory instruments are properly sterilized.
