Get the facts about Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have the disease. The infection is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.

There Is No Vaccine To Prevent Hepatitis C.

How serious is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is serious for some people, but not for others. Most people who get hepatitis C carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Most of these people have some liver damage, but many do not feel sick from the disease. Some people with liver damage due to hepatitis C may develop cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver and liver failure, which may take many years to develop.

How can I protect myself from getting Hepatitis C and other diseases spread by contact with human blood?

Don't ever shoot drugs. If you shoot drugs, stop shooting drugs and get into a treatment program. If you can't stop immediately, never reuse or share syringes, water, or drug works, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Don't share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal care items. They might have blood on them. If you are a health care worker, always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Consider health risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. You can get infected if:

• The tools that are used have someone else's blood on them.
• The artist or piercer doesn't follow good health practices, such as washing hands and using disposable gloves.

HCH can be spread by sex, but this does not occur very often. Having sex with more than one partner increases the risk of contracting HCH and other diseases.

• You and your partner can get other diseases spread by having sex (e.g., AIDS, hepatitis B, gonorrhea or chlamydia).
• Use latex condoms correctly and every time you do have sex.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
• The surest way to prevent the spread of any disease by sex is not to have sex at all.

Hepatitis C Virus is not spread By:

• Breast feeding.
• Hugging.
• Food or water.
• Sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses.
• Sneezing.
• Coughing.
• Casual contact.

Could I already have Hepatitis C?

Ask your doctor for a blood test for hepatitis C if:

• You ever injected street drugs, even if you experimented a few times many years ago.
• You were treated for clotting problems with blood products made before 1987.
• You received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant (e.g., kidney, live, heart) before July 1992, or you were notified that you received blood that possibly contained HCV.
• You were ever on long-term kidney dialysis.

Why should I be tested for Hepatitis C?

Early diagnosis is important so you can:

• Be checked for liver disease.
• Get treatment, if indicated. Drugs are licensed for treatment of persons with long-term hepatitis C.
• Learn how you can protect your liver from further harm.
• Learn how you can prevent spreading HCV to others.

For more information on Hepatitis C, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Hepatitis C web site.