What is hepatitis C?

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious disease that causes the liver to swell and stop working properly.  The virus is transmitted through contact with HCV-infected blood and can be passed from one person to another through having unprotected sex, sharing needles, and improperly disinfecting and sanitizing bloody areas.

Nearly four million people in the United States are infected with hepatitis C.  Since the 1980ss the number of people infected with hepatitis C per year has decreased from 240,000 to about 26,000. 

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

The majority of those infected with hepatitis C do not show signs of infection, but some people experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and fever. Others have diarrhea, stomach pains and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white part of the eyes, accompanied by dark urine and clay-colored stools.)  

Who is most likely to become infected by hepatitis C? 

Anyone that works around blood can contract hepatitis C if they do not take proper safety precautions.  Other individuals likely to contract HCV include: those who use or share drug needles, those who have sex with an infected individuals and children born to a mothers who have HCV. It is also possible, but rare, to contract HCV from acupuncture needles, body piercing, and tattoos. 

Is Hepatitis C common in Montgomery County?

Hepatitis C is among the most frequently reported infectious diseases in Montgomery County. The Health Department documented 100 cases of hepatitis in 2003, 169 cases in 2004 and 137 cases in 2005

How is hepatitis C treated?

Hepatitis C is usually treated with a combination of peginterferons and antiviral medications.  The antiviral medications help prevent the virus from reproducing and the peginterferons help the body fight off the disease.  Individuals who have Hepatitis C for many years, may lose the use of their liver and have to have a liver transplant.

How can I protect myself from hepatitis C?

Since there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, prevention is extremely important.  Protect yourself if you have sex.  If you must use needles, do not share them.  If you work somewhere that requires you to work around blood, use all required safety measures.   

For more information on hepatitis C, contact your physician or check out these web sites: 

Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepc_ez/#1

WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/hw/hepatitus_c/aa132980.asp