Hepatitis C Transmission

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Hepatitis C affects approximately 4 million Americans, and more than 100 million persons worldwide. It is the most serious type of hepatitis and is caused by the blood-borne Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

The virus infects the liver and causes inflammation. This inflammation can lead to scarring of the liver and can result to liver damage. A liver that is damaged can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.

Some cases of cirrhosis can develop liver failure or other complications of cirrhosis, including liver cancer.

Hepatitis C virus is known as the "silent epidemic" - is spread blood-to-blood; is carried in the blood and transmitted through sharing contaminated needles to inject drugs, blood transfusion, and needle stick injuries.

Infrequent sources of hepatitis c transmission are: sexual activity, mother to child at birth, sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrush or manicure tools, or straws when snorting drugs.

Although there are more than 40% of these infected individuals who cannot identify the cause of their infection -- experts believe that these are due to known risk factors. There are also 10% of infected cases with unknown sources of infection. See below...

Risk Factors

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  Individuals who are at risk are those who..
• Have had received blood transfusion before 1992
• Shared needles to inject drugs, have had body piercing or tattoo
• Shared straws for snorting cocaine
• Have been a hemodialysis patient
• Have jobs that expose them to human blood
• Have been in contact with the blood of someone infected with Hepatitis C

Dealing with Hepatitis

If you do have Hepatitis C, you may have these feelings to cope with: sadess, scared, angry, disbelief, depression, crying frequently, lost interest in things you once enjoyed, guilty, helpless, worthless, suicidal, sleepiness, sleeplessness, always tired, problems with paying attention, aches and pain, irritated, restless, and are easily annoyed. If you do feel any of these symptoms tell your doctor.

Please Note

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