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HEPATITIS C FAQ's
Q: What is hepatitis C?
A: Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in an infected person's blood. Hepatitis C is a serious disease. Many people may carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Infected people can develop liver damage, but do not necessarily feel sick. Even those who develop a persistent infection may not show symptoms until there is severe liver damage. In some cases, hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer over a period of 20 to 30 years.
Q: How can you tell if someone is infected with Hepatitis C?
A: Only with a blood test. A person can be Hepatitis C -infected for many years while looking and feeling healthy, with no signs at all of being sick.
Q: Who is most likely to become infected with the hepatitis C virus?
A: Anyone can be infected with the hepatitis C virus. However, people most likely to be infected with the hepatitis C virus include individuals who: (1.) had a blood transfusion and or received an organ transplant such as kidney, lung, or heart, before effective screening began in July 1992; (2.) have been or are on long term kidney dialysis (hemodialysis); (3.) received treatment with a clotting factor concentrate manufactured before 1987; (4.) have ever injected illegal drugs, even once; (5.) have had sexual contact with multiple individuals over the course of their lifetime; (6) have been healthcare workers with exposure to blood from a hepatitis C infected person, especially through accidental needlesticks, or (7) have ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)..
Q: Are there other types of viral hepatitis?
A: Yes, the other most common types are hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by personal contact with someone who is infected and by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. Most people recover from hepatitis A within 6 months without serious health problems. Hepatitis B is transmitted through infected blood and other bodily fluids. Most people (90%) are able to recover from hepatitis B infection; however, those individuals who become chronically infected may develop cirrhosis and liver cancer, if left untreated. Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B are preventable by vaccines. There is no vaccine for HCV
Q: What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
A: The most common symptom of hepatitis C is fatigue; however, most infected people have no recognizable signs or symptoms for a long time. Some people do experience flu-like symptoms, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness and mild abdominal pain. Less common symptoms are dark urine and jaundice of the skin and eyes. The only way to know if you are infected is through blood tests.
Q: Is hepatitis C contagious?
A: Yes. Usually the hepatitis C virus is spread from one person to another by direct exposure to infected blood or blood products, and contaminated needles or other sharp objects. Occasionally, the hepatitis C virus may be spread by: 1.) an infected mother to her newborn; 2.) sharing household objects with an infected household member. Do not share items that may be contaminated with blood such as razors and toothbrushes.; or 3.) sexual contact. Sexual transmission typically occurs among people with multiple sexual partners or a history of sexually transmitted disease. HCV transmission is rare among long-term sexual partners who do not have other sexual contacts. Consider using condoms, because sexual transmission, although rare, is possible.
If you are infected, we recommend taking extra steps to avoid blood to blood contact with others to prevent any possibility of infecting other people close to you.
Q: How can I be exposed to Hepatitis C?
A: Unprotected sex with someone who is infected or sharing a needle or other drug equipment with someone who is infected.
Q: What is unprotected sex?
A: Sex without a latex condom or other barrier method.
Q: What about doing drugs?
A: Injecting drugs using a needle that has been used by someone else is risky because it can contain infected blood from that person. Any drug use, including alcohol, affects judgment and can contribute to exposure to Hepatitis C infection. Any shared drug products or equipment (i.e. straw, dollar bill, spoon) that could have blood on them are means to pass the virus.
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