Hepatitis (with a focus on C)

KEY FACTS:

1. Approximately 3.2 million people in the US have chronic Hepatitis C. Many do not even know they have it
2. Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood
3. Many times, there are no symptoms
4. It is the leading cause of liver cancer
5. There is not a vaccine for Hepatitis C

WHO SHOULD BE TESTED

1. People who were born between 1945 and 1965
2. People who have ever injected drugs
3. If you received blood donation or organs before 1992
4. Have been exposed to blood on the job (needle stick)

HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED:

1. IV drug use
2. Needlestick in healthcare settting
3. Sex with a person infected
4. Sharing contaminated personal objects (toothbrush, razors, etc.)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

1. Often, there are no symptoms
2. Fever, Fatigue
3. Dark colored urine
4. Clay-colored Stool
5. Lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting
6. Joint pain
7. Jaundice

TREATMENT:

1. There are many new drugs to treat Hepatitis C. For a complete list please visit:
http://www.hepatitisc.uw.edu/page/treatment/drugs

ONLINE RISK ASSESSMENT:

​https://www.cddc.gov/hepatitis/riskassessment/index.htm

OTHER TYPES OF HEPATITIS:

1. A: Usually spread to someone who has never been infected and has not been vaccinated. Usually by ingesting food that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. It does NOT cause chronic liver disease. There IS a vaccination.
2. B: Spread through contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person. May also be transmitted by a mother to her unborn child. It may also be transmitted by sexual contact. It causes chronic liver failure. There IS a vaccination.
3. D: Spread through contact with infected blood. It ONLY occurs in people who are already infected with B.
4. E: Spread through contaminated drinking water. Usually clears after 4-6 weeks and there is no specific treatment. It usually occurs in underdeveloped countries. There is NO vaccine.