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 needle sticks, 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. | 
