Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease caused by a virus. It is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. It is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute disease can lead to chronic disease 75% of the time. Testing has been available since 1990.
In the United States over 3 million people have chronic Hepatitis C and aren’t aware of it because they do not feel sick. Hep C is spread when the blood from an infected person enters the body of a non-infected person:
A) Sharing needles/syringes
B) Needle stick injuries in the health care setting
C) Being born to a Hep C mother
D) Sharing razors, toothbrushes that may have been used by a Hep C infected person
E) Before 1992 blood screening was initiated, Hep C could be spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants
If symptoms do appear, they may occur 2-6 months after exposure. Even if you don’t have symptoms you can spread the virus. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay colored bowel movements, joint pain, and yellow skin or eyes. People with chronic Hepatitis C can go on to develop chronic liver disease or liver cancer. You should be tested for Hep C if:
- You were born from 1945-1965 CDC Features – Hepatitis C Testing for Anyone Born During 1945-1965: New CDC Recommendations
- You have ever injected drugs
- You were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987
- You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992
- You are on long term hemodialysis
- You have abnormal liver tests
There are several new drugs which can be used for treatment. Medication | Treatment | The American Liver Foundation