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<blockquote data-quote="MaD-DoC" data-source="post: 1161815" data-attributes="member: 56284">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Information&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; to Live By: Hepatitis C[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; is hepatitis C (HCV)? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (HCV). It is sometimes called non-A and non-B hepatitis. Hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; C is the most common chronic (long lasting) blood borne infection&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; in the United States.[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]15%-25%&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; of people infected with hepatitis C have acute (short-term)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; hepatitis which means they are able to clear the virus from&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; their blood within 6 months from the time of infection. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]However,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 75%-85% infected with hepatitis C are not able to get rid of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; the virus within 6 months and therefore have chronic (long-term)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; hepatitis C. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Though&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 70% of chronically infected people will get liver disease, less&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; than 3% will die from liver disease. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; C is the leading cause for liver transplants.[/FONT]</li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]How&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; common is hepatitis C? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It is estimated that around 4 million Americans have been infected&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; with hepatitis C.&nbsp; Some 2.7 million, of those 4 million, have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; long term infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; and Prevention (CDC) each year there are (estimated) 30,000 new&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; infections in the United States. Of those new infections, only&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 20% will have symptoms. That means many people will become infected&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; with hepatitis C and not know it.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; How can I get hepatitis C? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hepatitis C is transmitted (passed) through blood or blood products.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The most common ways are: [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Coming&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; in contact with hepatitis C-infected blood by sharing needles&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; or other drug injecting equipment (cookers, cottons, pots, water,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; etc). Currently, injection drug use is the most common way to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; get hepatitis C.[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Receiving&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; organ transplants and blood transfusions prior to 1992. In 1992,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; blood banks began testing donations for hepatitis C.[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Neonatal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (newborn) transmission; hepatitis C may be passed from an infected&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; mother to her baby whether the baby is delivered by Caesarean-section&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; or vaginally.&nbsp; Spreading hepatitis C to a baby through breast&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; milk has NOT been documented.&nbsp; However, if nipples are cracked&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; or bleeding, hepatitis C-infected mothers may not want to breastfeed.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; C has been found in semen (cum) and vaginal secretions (wetness)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; and may be transmitted during vaginal or anal sex. Transmission&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; during sex occurs in up to 20% of hepatitis C cases. Sexual&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; transmission is even more likely to happen when blood is present.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Some reasons associated with the sexual transmission of hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; C include:[/FONT]<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sex with&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; multiple partners [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Presence&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; of other STDs [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Traumatic&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; sex (for example, rough sex, rape or sexual abuse) [/FONT]</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Transmission&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; through oral sex has NOT been documented. [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; are the signs or symptoms of hepatitis C? [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Most individuals&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; with hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Liver disease develops&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; so slowly that a person can have hepatitis C for years without&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; having symptoms. Many individuals with chronic or long lasting&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; hepatitis C have mild to moderate liver damage but do not feel&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; sick. When symptoms are present, they are different for an acute&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (short term) infection and a chronic (long term) infection.[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]ACUTE INFECTION&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (short term)[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Often,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; people with acute hepatitis C infection are asymptomatic (have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; no symptoms). [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Some people&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; with acute hepatitis C infection have jaundice (yellow skin&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; and eyes) or mild flu-like symptoms. [/FONT]</li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]CHRONIC&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; INFECTION (long term)[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Most people&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; with chronic (long lasting) hepatitis C will have only mild to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; moderate liver disease. Symptoms of this may include:[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Malaise&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (feeling of ill-health) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Fatigue&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (feeling tired all the time) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Anorexia&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (loss of appetite) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nausea&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (feeling like vomiting)[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jaundice&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (yellow skin and eyes) [/FONT]</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If a person&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; develops cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, symptoms and signs&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; may be more visible. In addition to those listed above, symptoms&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; may include muscle weakness, weight loss, itching, dark urine,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; and fluid retention.[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]How&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; can I find out if I have hepatitis C? [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]There are&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; several blood tests that can be given to find out if a person&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; has hepatitis C. If you think you've been exposed to or infected&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; with hepatitis C, talk to your health care provider. He or she&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; may order one test or a combination of tests. You and your health&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; care provider can discuss whether your sex partner(s) need to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; be tested for hepatitis C.&nbsp; Tests will look for antibodies to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; the hepatitis virus.&nbsp; Most people with hepatitis C will develop&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; antibodies (part of a person’s immune system response to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a virus) by 6 months, the average being 8 to 9 weeks after infection…but&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; it can take up to 12 months.[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]People&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; with hepatitis C should be checked for liver disease and should&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; discuss treatment with their health care providers. Just how&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; serious the liver damage is may be determined by:[/FONT]<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ultrasound&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -- detects signs of liver damage and liver cancer[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Liver&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Biopsy – detects signs of liver damage and cancer[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Liver&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Function Tests -- indicates damage to liver cells.[/FONT]</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]None of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; the available tests to detect the hepatitis C virus can tell&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; the difference between acute (short term) and chronic (long&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; term) infections. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]People&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who “clear” the virus from their bodies may still&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; test positive for hepatitis C anti-bodies for many months. [/FONT]</li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Testing is&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; recommended for people in these risk groups: [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]People&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who ever injected illegal drugs (including those who used drugs&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; just once many, many years ago). [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]People&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who were told that they received blood (i.e. in surgery) from&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]People&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; July 1992. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Health&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; care professionals who have come in contact with hepatitis C-infected&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; blood. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Children&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; born to hepatitis C-infected women. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]People&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who use/d hemodialysis (a medical process for people with kidney&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; failure.) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]People&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who received clotting factor concentrate before 1987. [/FONT]</li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; can I do to reduce my risk of getting hepatitis C?[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]NON-SEXUAL[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If you&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; shoot up drugs and can't stop, avoid sharing needles or other&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; works (i.e. equipment) used to shoot up drugs such as water,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; cotton, cookers, spoons, etc. If you choose to share your works,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; clean them with a mixture of tap water and bleach to reduce&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; the risk of getting hepatitis C. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Avoid sharing&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; personal objects, such as toothbrushes, razors or other items&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; that might have blood on them. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Health&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; care workers should follow standard precautions when handling&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; sharps (i.e. needles, etc) and body fluids. They should also&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; be vaccinated against [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]hepatitis B[/FONT]</li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If you know&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; you have hepatitis C, you can protect OTHERS by: [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]NOT donating&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; blood, body organs, tissue or semen. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Covering&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; cuts or sores. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]NOT sharing&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; personal health items such as razors or toothbrushes. [/FONT]</li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]SEXUAL[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Abstinence&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (choosing to not have sex) and mutual monogamy (sex only between&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; two uninfected partners) provides a high level of protection.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Latex condoms&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; provide effective protection during vaginal and anal sex.&nbsp; Condoms&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; reduce contact with infected bodily fluids (i.e. semen, vaginal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; secretions and blood). [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A non-lubricated&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; latex condom can be used for mouth-to-penis contact. Household&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; plastic wrap, dental dams or a latex condom cut lengthwise and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; opened flat can reduce the risk of transmission during mouth-to-vagina&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; or mouth-to-anus contact. [/FONT]</li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Getting vaccinated&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; against hepatitis A and B will not prevent hepatitis C, but it&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; will help those who are infected with hepatitis C. [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]TREATMENT&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; AFTER EXPOSURE TO HEPATITIS C[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]There is no&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; shot or medication which can be given once exposed to someone&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; infected with hepatitis C.&nbsp; There could be drugs available to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; reduce the chance of having a chronic or long-term infection.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Talk to your health care provider for more information.[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; is the treatment for hepatitis C? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Treatment for hepatitis C varies depending on whether the infection&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; is acute (short term) or chronic (long term) and the stage of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; illness.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Why&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; worry about hepatitis C? [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The majority&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; of people with hepatitis C have some sort of mild or moderate&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; liver damage. Some have such serious damage that they have cirrhosis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (liver scarring), liver failure, liver cancer or need a liver&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; transplant because of hepatitis C. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]People&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; infected with hepatitis C are at risk for chronic (long lasting)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; liver disease or other hepatitis C-related chronic diseases&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; for at least 20 years after being infected.[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Complications&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; from hepatitis C cause 8,000 to 10,000 deaths per year. [/FONT]</li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Do&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I need to talk to my partner about hepatitis C? [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Yes. Good&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; partner communication is important in a relationship. While hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; C is more likely to be spread through sharing drug needles and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; works, it can be transmitted through sexual contact. If you or&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; your partner uses street drugs or any illegal drug that require&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a needle, you could be at risk of getting hepatitis C.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Should I talk to my health care provider&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; about hepatitis C? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Yes. Speak to your health care provider if you have: [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]shared&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a drug needle in the past, even once. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]received&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a blood product or transfusion prior to 1992. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]had unprotected&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; sex with someone who has hepatitis C. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]had kidney&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; dialysis. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]received&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; notice that you received blood from a donor who later tested&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; positive for hepatitis C. [/FONT]</li>
</ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If you have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; hepatitis C you can protect your liver by: [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]not drinking&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; alcohol, because it may cause further damage to the liver. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]seeing&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; your health care provider regularly [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]not beginning&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; to take any new medicines, including over-the-counter or herbal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ones, without talking to your health care provider. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]getting&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. [/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]</blockquote>

[QUOTE="MaD-DoC, post: 1161815, member: 56284"] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=3][B]Information to Live By: Hepatitis C [/B][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]What is hepatitis C (HCV)?[/B] Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is sometimes called non-A and non-B hepatitis. Hepatitis C is the most common chronic (long lasting) blood borne infection in the United States.[/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]15%-25% of people infected with hepatitis C have acute (short-term) hepatitis which means they are able to clear the virus from their blood within 6 months from the time of infection. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]However, 75%-85% infected with hepatitis C are not able to get rid of the virus within 6 months and therefore have chronic (long-term) hepatitis C. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Though 70% of chronically infected people will get liver disease, less than 3% will die from liver disease. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Hepatitis C is the leading cause for liver transplants.[/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]How common is hepatitis C?[/B] It is estimated that around 4 million Americans have been infected with hepatitis C. Some 2.7 million, of those 4 million, have long term infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year there are (estimated) 30,000 new infections in the United States. Of those new infections, only 20% will have symptoms. That means many people will become infected with hepatitis C and not know it. [B]How can I get hepatitis C?[/B] Hepatitis C is transmitted (passed) through blood or blood products. The most common ways are: [/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Coming in contact with hepatitis C-infected blood by sharing needles or other drug injecting equipment (cookers, cottons, pots, water, etc). Currently, injection drug use is the most common way to get hepatitis C.[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Receiving organ transplants and blood transfusions prior to 1992. In 1992, blood banks began testing donations for hepatitis C.[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Neonatal (newborn) transmission; hepatitis C may be passed from an infected mother to her baby whether the baby is delivered by Caesarean-section or vaginally. Spreading hepatitis C to a baby through breast milk has NOT been documented. However, if nipples are cracked or bleeding, hepatitis C-infected mothers may not want to breastfeed. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Hepatitis C has been found in semen (cum) and vaginal secretions (wetness) and may be transmitted during vaginal or anal sex. Transmission during sex occurs in up to 20% of hepatitis C cases. Sexual transmission is even more likely to happen when blood is present. Some reasons associated with the sexual transmission of hepatitis C include:[/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Sex with multiple partners [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Presence of other STDs [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Traumatic sex (for example, rough sex, rape or sexual abuse) [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Transmission through oral sex has NOT been documented. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]What are the signs or symptoms of hepatitis C?[/B] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Most individuals with hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Liver disease develops so slowly that a person can have hepatitis C for years without having symptoms. Many individuals with chronic or long lasting hepatitis C have mild to moderate liver damage but do not feel sick. When symptoms are present, they are different for an acute (short term) infection and a chronic (long term) infection.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]ACUTE INFECTION [/B](short term)[/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Often, people with acute hepatitis C infection are asymptomatic (have no symptoms). [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Some people with acute hepatitis C infection have jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) or mild flu-like symptoms. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]CHRONIC INFECTION[/B] (long term)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Most people with chronic (long lasting) hepatitis C will have only mild to moderate liver disease. Symptoms of this may include:[/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Malaise (feeling of ill-health) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Fatigue (feeling tired all the time) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Anorexia (loss of appetite) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Nausea (feeling like vomiting)[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]If a person develops cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, symptoms and signs may be more visible. In addition to those listed above, symptoms may include muscle weakness, weight loss, itching, dark urine, and fluid retention.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]How can I find out if I have hepatitis C?[/B] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]There are several blood tests that can be given to find out if a person has hepatitis C. If you think you've been exposed to or infected with hepatitis C, talk to your health care provider. He or she may order one test or a combination of tests. You and your health care provider can discuss whether your sex partner(s) need to be tested for hepatitis C. Tests will look for antibodies to the hepatitis virus. Most people with hepatitis C will develop antibodies (part of a person’s immune system response to a virus) by 6 months, the average being 8 to 9 weeks after infection…but it can take up to 12 months.[/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]People with hepatitis C should be checked for liver disease and should discuss treatment with their health care providers. Just how serious the liver damage is may be determined by:[/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Ultrasound[/B] -- detects signs of liver damage and liver cancer[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Liver Biopsy –[/B] detects signs of liver damage and cancer[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Liver Function Tests[/B] -- indicates damage to liver cells.[/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][/LIST] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]None of the available tests to detect the hepatitis C virus can tell the difference between acute (short term) and chronic (long term) infections. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]People who “clear” the virus from their bodies may still test positive for hepatitis C anti-bodies for many months. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Testing is recommended for people in these risk groups: [/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]People who ever injected illegal drugs (including those who used drugs just once many, many years ago). [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]People who were told that they received blood (i.e. in surgery) from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]People who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before July 1992. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Health care professionals who have come in contact with hepatitis C-infected blood. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Children born to hepatitis C-infected women. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]People who use/d hemodialysis (a medical process for people with kidney failure.) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]People who received clotting factor concentrate before 1987. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]What can I do to reduce my risk of getting hepatitis C?[/B][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]NON-SEXUAL[/B][/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]If you shoot up drugs and can't stop, avoid sharing needles or other works (i.e. equipment) used to shoot up drugs such as water, cotton, cookers, spoons, etc. If you choose to share your works, clean them with a mixture of tap water and bleach to reduce the risk of getting hepatitis C. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Avoid sharing personal objects, such as toothbrushes, razors or other items that might have blood on them. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Health care workers should follow standard precautions when handling sharps (i.e. needles, etc) and body fluids. They should also be vaccinated against [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]hepatitis B[/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]If you know you have hepatitis C, you can protect OTHERS by: [/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]NOT donating blood, body organs, tissue or semen. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Covering cuts or sores. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]NOT sharing personal health items such as razors or toothbrushes. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]SEXUAL[/B][/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Abstinence (choosing to not have sex) and mutual monogamy (sex only between two uninfected partners) provides a high level of protection. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Latex condoms provide effective protection during vaginal and anal sex. Condoms reduce contact with infected bodily fluids (i.e. semen, vaginal secretions and blood). [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]A non-lubricated latex condom can be used for mouth-to-penis contact. Household plastic wrap, dental dams or a latex condom cut lengthwise and opened flat can reduce the risk of transmission during mouth-to-vagina or mouth-to-anus contact. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B will not prevent hepatitis C, but it will help those who are infected with hepatitis C. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]TREATMENT AFTER EXPOSURE TO HEPATITIS C[/B][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]There is no shot or medication which can be given once exposed to someone infected with hepatitis C. There could be drugs available to reduce the chance of having a chronic or long-term infection. Talk to your health care provider for more information.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]What is the treatment for hepatitis C? [/B] Treatment for hepatitis C varies depending on whether the infection is acute (short term) or chronic (long term) and the stage of illness. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Why worry about hepatitis C?[/B] [/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]The majority of people with hepatitis C have some sort of mild or moderate liver damage. Some have such serious damage that they have cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, liver cancer or need a liver transplant because of hepatitis C. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]People infected with hepatitis C are at risk for chronic (long lasting) liver disease or other hepatitis C-related chronic diseases for at least 20 years after being infected.[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Complications from hepatitis C cause 8,000 to 10,000 deaths per year. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Do I need to talk to my partner about hepatitis C?[/B] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Yes. Good partner communication is important in a relationship. While hepatitis C is more likely to be spread through sharing drug needles and works, it can be transmitted through sexual contact. If you or your partner uses street drugs or any illegal drug that require a needle, you could be at risk of getting hepatitis C. [B]Should I talk to my health care provider about hepatitis C?[/B] Yes. Speak to your health care provider if you have: [/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]shared a drug needle in the past, even once. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]received a blood product or transfusion prior to 1992. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]had unprotected sex with someone who has hepatitis C. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]had kidney dialysis. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]received notice that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]If you have hepatitis C you can protect your liver by: [/SIZE][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]not drinking alcohol, because it may cause further damage to the liver. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]seeing your health care provider regularly [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]not beginning to take any new medicines, including over-the-counter or herbal ones, without talking to your health care provider. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [/QUOTE]

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