5 of 11

Write now Article Tools

Hepatitis C first and foremost is not something you would die from. If you have Hepatitis C it is a probability that you will die with the virus. There are so many misconceptions about Hepatitis C and how it is contracted and treated. Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against hepatitis C and below is a list of precautions you can take if you know of someone who is infected with the virus. Still the most important thing you can do is be tested and if you have the virus get treated.

Hepatitis C has been referred to as the "silent disease" because most people do not even know they have the virus for decades after they have contracted the illness. The statistics in the U.S. is approximately 1.8% of the population or 3.9 million Americans have been infected with the Hep C virus. Another abbreviation used for chronic hepatitis C is HCV. There are 35,000 new cases a year in our country and the most common diagnosis used for liver transplantation, and cancer of the Liver. HCVs' primary target is the liver. After diagnosis it must be protected with a good healthy life style that includes exercise and proper nutrition.

LISTED BELOW ARE WAYS HEPATITIS C CAN BE TRANSMITTED:
-Blood-Borne infection is blood to blood contact. The most common way to become infected with HCV is by accepting blood and blood-product transfusions.
-Needlestick accidents among healthcare workers
-Illicit injection drug use
-Acupuncture
-Tattooing
-Sharing certain personal items such as razors, nail clippers, or nail files
-Healthcare workers' or other occupational accidents, or professionals'
-Transmission from a mother to her unborn child
-Transmission during hemodialysis treatment
-Blood to Blood contact during sexual activity
-Intranasal cocaine use through the sharing of straws or other instruments

There are several genotypes to be considered in the treatment of HCV. Genotype 1 is the most common in the United States. It is a measurement of how much liver damage has occurred due to the virus.
The determining factors are based by two common ways for treatment of the virus. One treatment that has been around for some time called Copegus with an effect on viral load the other drug is called Pegasys and has a response on how the liver is improved with treatment. The treatments are taken together, Copegus is an injectable taken once a week along with Pegasys a pill taken several times a day. The treatment can have side effects

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

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