Hepatitis C
Keep Calm and Get Tested
What is Hepatitis C and How do People Catch it?
Hepatitis C viris (HCV) infection is the most common chronic blood borne infection in the United States. Although HCV is not efficiently transmitted sexually, people at risk for infection through injection drug use and anyone who had a transfusion pr organ transplant before July 1992; anyone who has ever been on long-term kidney dialysis; anyone who received clotting factors made before 1987; anyone who has ever (even once) injected illegal drugs; anyone who has undiagnosed liver problems; infants born to HCV-infected mothers.
How do you know you have it? (Symptoms)
The most common symptoms include: fatigue, nausea, joint or muscular pain, loss of appetite, fever, and yellowing of the skin. the less common symptoms were diarrhea, dark-yellow urine, stomach pain, and itchy skin.
What can happen if it is left untreated?
Unless successfully treated with medications, chronic Hepatitis C infection can cause other serious health problems, such as Cirrhosis, Liver Cancer, and Liver Failure. If left untreated, Hepatitis C is life threatening. Treatment options are available, speak to your healthcare provider today.
How can you treat it and/or cure it?
Theres is no vaccine against Hepatitis C. A person who tests positive for HCV infection should see a doctor to assess liver damage and determine whether medical management and antiviral therapy would be helpful. It is very important for a person with liver damage to avoid alcohol, to discuss medications with a doctor, and to see a doctor regularly.
How many people contract the disease on a yearly basic?
130-150 million people globally have contracted Chronic Hepatitis C infection. A significant number of those who are chronically infected will develop liver cirrhosis or liver cancer and 350,000 to 500,000 people die each year from Hepatitis C related liver disease.