In the United States, more than one hundred people die every week as a direct result of Hepatitis C. With such a striking fatality rate, it is essential that individuals are made aware of the risks and consequences associated with Hepatitis C infections.

What Is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that damages the liver. The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is blood-borne, although it can also be present in other bodily fluids, such as semen. There are two types of Hepatitis C infection, acute and chronic. Acute HCV occurs rapidly, and the symptoms short-lived. Chronic HCV is a more progressive, steady decline of body systems as a result of the infection.

Transmission

The virus is spread by infected blood entering the circulatory system of an uninfected individual. The most common causes are:

- Sharing drug paraphernalia, such as needles, spoons and filters. Since the equipment is not sterile it is possible for users to share blood without physical contact.

- Blood transfusions conducted abroad, where the blood may not be screened for blood-borne diseases.

- Sharing hygiene equipment, such as razors or toothbrushes.

HCV cannot be spread through non-blood-based contact, such as hugging, kissing, touching or sharing eating and drinking utensils.

Who Is At Risk?

Anyone can be infected with HCV, but some people are more at risk:

- Individuals working in health care may contract Hepatitis C by scratching their skin with a needle used in a patient.

- Anyone who uses "dirty" needles. This is more likely if using drugs or if an individual is a customer at a disreputable tattoo or piercing parlor.

- Recipients of HCV positive blood during a blood transfusion

Symptoms

Many people with Hepatitis C suffer no symptoms of the disease. However, they are still infectious for a time and can transmit the disease to others.

Some people do experience effects from the disease. Symptoms, which may persist for several weeks after infection, include:

- Aches and pains

- Malaise

- Headaches

- Nausea

- Loss of appetite.

In approximately a fifth of people infected with Hepatitis C the immune system is able to clear the virus from the body within about six months. The remaining 80% may continue to carry the virus without any symptoms, and may not develop any illness until later in life, if at all. These people are considered to have chronic (long-lasting and mild), rather than acute (severe), Hepatitis C.

Individuals with long-term Hepatitis C infections have a

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Hepatitis C: Symptoms and treatment?
We want to hear your view. Write now!