HEPATITIS C – A FEW QUESTIONS ANSWERED

WHAT IS HEPATITIS C?

Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause permanent liver damage, and sometimes liver cancer. About 80 percent of the people who are infected with Hepatitis C are unable to clear the virus from their bodies, becoming Hepatitis C carriers. As long as the virus is in the body, it can be passed to other people. It can take as long as 20 years for symptoms of liver disease to appear. A special blood test for Hepatitis C is the only way to tell if you have it.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS C?

Most people infected with the Hepatitis C virus do not feel sick at all. Some people have a “flu-like” illness about 1-3 months after becoming infected. Other symptoms include tiredness, nausea and vomiting, stomachache, and, less often, yellow eyes and skin, dark urine, and light-colored stools.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT GETTING HEPATITIS C?

Some ways to prevent being infected with Hepatitis C are:

• Do not share needles or other injecting equipment.
• Do not share personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes.
• If you get a tattoo or body piercing, be sure the instruments are sterilized.
• Wear disposable gloves if you give first aid, or handle blood or body fluids.

HOW IS THE HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) SPREAD FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER?

It is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. The most common way people get Hepatitis C is by sharing injection drug equipment, including needles, cookers, water, and cotton.

There is a small risk of transmission during sex. Tattoos and body piercings done with contaminated needles can spread Hepatitis C. If a pregnant woman has Hepatitis C, there is a small chance her baby may be born with it. Sharing razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes may also spread the virus.

The Hepatitis C virus is not spread by sweat, tears, or urine. You cannot get it through casual contact, food, water, sneezing, coughing, or breathing air.

IS THERE A HEPATITIS C VACCINE?

There is no vaccine to prevent infection with Hepatitis C. A vaccination against Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B does not protect you against Hepatitis C. Instead, there are treatments to control Hepatitis C.

HOW LONG AFTER YOU ARE EXPOSED TO THE HEPATITIS C VIRUS SHOULD YOU BE TESTED?

If you are exposed to HCV, have a baseline blood test done immediately. Second, get retested after 6 months. It can take up to 6 months before antibodies appear.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HEPATITIS C?

Antiviral drugs, such as interferon used alone or in combination with ribavirin, are approved for treatment. Some infections respond better to treatment than others. Overall, treatment works well in 30-50 percent of those who complete antiviral treatment.

HOW CAN PERSONS INFECTED WITH HEPATITIS C PREVENT SPREADING IT TO OTHERS?

Persons with Hepatitis C should not donate blood, organs, tissue, or semen. They should not share personal items that may have blood on them, such as razors, toothbrushes, dental appliances, or nail-grooming equipment. They should also cover their cuts and skin sores with a bandage.

WHY KIMS?

At KIMS, our doctors and staff are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C. If you think you may be at risk, we urge you to come in and get tested. Our dedicated staff treats you with compassion, courtesy, and great care.