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Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus.

It is transmitted by contact with blood of an infected person by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs and sometimes through sexual contact. Before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began in the United States, Hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

Hepatitis C can be either “acute” or “chronic.” Acute hepatitis C virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after exposure. Acute infections often lead to chronic infections. Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease than can result in long-term health problems and even death.

Risk Factors:

• Injection (IV) drug users
• Recipients of donated blood, blood products, and organs before 1992
• People who received a blood product for clotting problems made before 1987
• Hemodialysis patients or persons who spent many years on dialysis for kidney failure
• People who received body piercing or tattoos done with non-sterile instruments
• People with known exposures to the Hepatitis C virus, such as
  • Healthcare workers injured by needle sticks
  • Recipients of blood or organs from a donor who tested positive for the Hepatitis C virus
• HIV-infected persons
• Children born to mothers infected with the Hepatitis C virus

Signs and Symptoms: Most people are asymptomatic (without symptoms), however symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored bowel movements
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (yellow color in the skin or eyes)

Prevention:

There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but medications are available for treatment. The best way to prevent Hepatitis C is to avoid behaviors that can put you at risk for developing Hepatitis C.