How does hepatitis C affect people?
The Hepatitis Council of NSW - FAQHepatitis C affects people differently. Some are not affected by it while others can be affected seriously. Generally speaking, it is believed that around 75% (three quarters) of people with chronic hepatitis C will not go on to develop cirrhosis (scarring of liver cells). Over a 40 year period of infection, it is believed that less than 4% (one in 25) of people with chronic hepatitis C would develop liver failure or liver cancer.
Related QuestionsIf people get hepatitis C, will they always have it?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Hepatitis C is interesting in that about 15% of people who get the infection can clear the virus completely out of their bodies naturally within the first 6 months of their infection. This means that those people are no longer infected and can no longer spread the virus to other people. However, 85% of people with hepatitis C will become chronic carriers. These people will always be capable of transmitting the virus to others through blood.
Related QuestionsHow can people find out if they have hepatitis C?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Since 1992, antibody tests have been available to determine if people have been infected. Today, people can have these tests performed at their doctors' offices. For people with no insurance, there are some clinics that can also perform the tests for free or reduced fees. For people who would like to get tested, it is a good idea to wait between 3-6 months from the last time they had a risk of infection before they go in for the test.
Related QuestionsCan people become reinfected with hepatitis C?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Yes. People who have cleared the virus either naturally or through medication can become infected again. Also, people who have active hepatitis C can become infected with additional genotypes (strains) of hepatitis C.
Related QuestionsHow does hepatitis C affect children?
The Hepatitis Council of NSW - FAQAlthough many studies have examined hepatitis C's affect on adults, particularly people who have had blood transfusions, there have been few studies done on infants and children. Emerging research suggests hepatitis C infection has a lesser impact when contracted by children. For more specific information, contact the NSW Hep C Helpline.
Related QuestionsIf people have hepatitis C, will they get sick or die from it?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Most people who become infected with hepatitis C do not get seriously sick or die from it. However, of those who have chronic infection, about 20% of people will develop serious liver diseases like cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. When people become infected with hepatitis C, there is no way to predict whether or not they will go on to develop serious problems. Most people with hepatitis C will live for more than 20 years without having any serious symptoms.
Related Questionswhat is hepatitis c?
FAQHepatitis C Virus (HCV) is spread mostly from contact with infected blood, such as a blood transfusion (before 1992), kidney dialysis, or through injecting drug use. It is rarely sexually transmitted, although sex with multiple partners or a history of sexually transmitted diseases can put people at risk for it. The virus can enter the body through minor cuts or scrapes by razors, toothbrushes or on needles used for tattooing, body piercing or on materials used to snort drugs.
Related QuestionsHepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsHepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in an infected person's blood. Hepatitis C is a serious disease. Many people may carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Infected people can develop liver damage, but do not necessarily feel sick. Even those who develop a persistent infection may not show symptoms until there is severe liver damage.Related Questions
What exactly does the Hepatitis C test do?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsAny Hepatitis C test checks your blood specimen for Hepatitis C antibodies. The body creates antibodies to Hepatitis C when an individual becomes infected by the virus. By testing blood for these antibodies, a laboratory tell if Hepatitis C is present.
Related QuestionsHow will hepatitis C treatment affect my everyday life?
Hepatitis C Web Portal: Frequently Asked QuestionsLike most medications, treatment for hepatitis C can cause side effects. There is no way of telling how you will react to treatment until you start. Feeling like you have the flu (headache, fever, chills and muscle/joint pain) is the most common side effect and typically this is worst in first 48 hours that follow your weekly injection of pegylated interferon. Some people also experience depression, feeling tired or nauseous.
Related QuestionsHow do chronic hepatitis B and C affect the body?
PSRIIn chronic hepatitis B or C, the virus may continue to cause injury to the liver over a period of time, possibly resulting in severe damage, liver failiure, or even liver cancer. This is very serious because the liver is one of the most important organs in your body. When it is healthy, the liver performs a number of crucial functions that help keep you feeling energetic and alert.
Related QuestionsWhat does a positive hepatitis C antibody test mean?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:A positive antibody test could mean one of two things. It could mean that a person is infected with hepatitis C and is a chronic carrier. Or, it could mean that the person was infected with hepatits C but has cleared it from his or her body. An antibody test cannot tell anyone which of those two categories applies. Once infected, you will always have hepatitis C antibodies, and therefore will always test positive on a hepatitis C screening test.
Related QuestionsWhy does eczema affect some people and not others?
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) — Frequently Asked QuestionsOver 34.8 million Americans have symptoms of eczema (atopic dermatitis), but scientists don't really know what causes it. Many experts think that eczema occurs when you have an inherited tendency for the disease, and the disease is "triggered." Triggers can vary widely, and some examples are stress, or sensitivity and exposure to some soaps, fabrics or foods.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:In most cases, people infected with hepatitis C experience no symptoms. Hepatitis C is a very slow moving virus, so symptoms my not even present themselves for 20 years or longer. The most common symptoms of hepatitis C are fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, and jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes).
Related QuestionsHow is hepatitis C transmitted?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus, and is transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact. The most common ways for hepatitis C to be transmitted is through sharing needles with an infected person, having had a blood transfusion prior to 1992, sharing personal care items such has razors that could have infected blood on them, and from mother to child during childbirth. in rare cases, hepatitis C can be transmitted through sex.
Related QuestionsHow easy is it to get hepatitis C from sex?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:It is possible to transmit hepatitis C through sex, but it is not an efficient transmission method. It is much more likely to get hepatitis C through sharing needles or "works", or having had a blood transfusion before 1992. Having a sexually transmitted disease or having sex that involves blood can increase the risk of getting hepatitis C through sex.
Related QuestionsWhen was hepatitis C first discovered?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Doctors and scientists recognized a type of hepatitis in the early 1970's that they called Non-A, non-B hepatitis. In 1987, they discovered that it was a unique virus and named it Hepatitis C.
Related QuestionsWhat are some things that someone with hepatitis C should avoid?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Avoiding alcohol (even small amounts) is extremely important. Tylenol and other over-the-counter and prescription drugs can also cause liver damage. High iron diets can cause damage. Good nutrition, exercise, and sleep are helpful in keeping the liver healthy.
Related QuestionsWhat is the difference between Hepatitis A, B, and C?
FAQHepatitis A (HAV) is caused by a virus found in feces (people's stool). You can get it by coming in contact with infected feces. The most common way is by swallowing food or liquids that get contaminated by hands that are not washed thoroughly after using the toilet. You can also get Hepatitis A through sexual acts like 'rimming' (licking someone's anus) or via oral sex on a male's penis after he has had anal sex.
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis CHepatitis C virus is transmitted through contact with an infected person's blood. The following list describes possible sources of hepatitis C transmission: Sexual transmission (rare). Note: The risk of sexual transmission to an individual is probably less than 3-6% when a person is in a stable, single partner relationship over 20 years. Other possible risk behaviors include tattoos, body piercing, folk medicine or using intranasal cocaine.Related Questions
What is the treatment for chronic hepatitis C?
Frequently Asked Questions About Viral HepatitisSOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Topics A-Z: Hepatitis (Viral) "Hepatitis A FAQ", "Hepatitis B FAQ", Hepatitis C FAQ"
Related QuestionsFAQ Hepatitis C - VISN 17 - VA North Texas Health Care Syste...You used a contaminated needle to inject drugs, like heroin or cocaine, only if it was only once, many years ago. You were a health care worker and had contact with blood in the workplace, especially through needle stick injuries. You had sex with a person infected with HCV or had many sex partners. While the risk of getting HCV by having sex is low, it is still possible.Related Questions
How can you tell if someone is infected with Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsOnly with a blood test. A person can be Hepatitis C -infected for many years while looking and feeling healthy, with no signs at all of being sick.
Related QuestionsIs hepatitis C contagious?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsYes. Usually the hepatitis C virus is spread from one person to another by direct exposure to infected blood or blood products, and contaminated needles or other sharp objects. Occasionally, the hepatitis C virus may be spread by: 1.) an infected mother to her newborn; 2.) sharing household objects with an infected household member. Do not share items that may be contaminated with blood such as razors and toothbrushes.; or 3.) sexual contact.
Related QuestionsHow can I be exposed to Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsUnprotected sex with someone who is infected or sharing a needle or other drug equipment with someone who is infected.
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