Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatis C virus (HCV), and it leads to inflammation and serious damage of the liver. It is estimated that more than 2.4 million people in the United States have hepatitis C. Without treatment, hepatitis C leads to liver disease and can be fatal.

There are two types of hepatitis C: acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis C is a short-term viral infection, and most people with acute hepatitis will clear it within several months. Chronic hepatitis C occurs when the body cannot clear the infection on its own. It is a life-long condition in which the liver is constantly inflamed and swollen. About 80% of individuals who have hepatitis C are considered chronically infected. Chronic hepatitis C infections are also the highest among 25–45 and 55–70 years-old, and most people are unaware they have hepatitis C until it is progressed to the chronic stage.

It is important to note, once an individual has been successfully treated for hepatitis C, they will always have HCV antibodies. The active virus is what needs to be tested, so always tell your provider if you had hepatitis C but were treated.

Source: CDC

Symptoms

If symptoms do develop, you will notice them about 2-12 weeks after infection with the virus. Symptoms may include:

• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Dark urine or pale stool
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Approximately 75-85% of individuals with hepatitis C do not have symptoms and symptoms can be similar to other usually less serious conditions, so it is very important to be tested.

How it Spreads

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease, so it spreads when someone comes in contact with the blood of an infected individual, which can occur through:

• Birth by an individual infected with HCV
• Sex with a person infected with HCV
• Sharing drug equipment like needles and syringes
• Sharing common items, like toothbrushes, razors, and nail clippers, that may have infected blood on it
• Tattoos or piercings in unregulated settings

Hepatitis C is not spread through food, water, breastfeeding, coughing/sneezing, or casual contact, like hugging or holding hands. Today, most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs.

Risk Factors

Behaviors or factors that increase the risk of becoming infected with hepatitis C, include:

• Getting a tattoo or piercing with nonsterile equipment
• Injecting or snorting drugs with shared equipment
• Receiving clotting factor concentrates before 1987
• Receiving blood or other transfusions before July 1992
• Receiving an organ transplant before July 1992

Testing

Individuals usually do not have symptoms, so testing is the only way to know if you have hepatitis C. The CDC recommends all adults 18 or older to be tested at least once in their lifetime.

Pregnant individuals will be tested during each pregnancy.

For individuals with the below risk factors, it is recommended to be tested regularly:

• Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug preparation equipment
• Certain medical conditions, including people who receive maintenance hemodialysis

There are different options available for testing. Our specialized Infectious Disease Nurse will determine what is best for you. TCCH also has a mobile outreach unit that can provide hepatitis C rapid tests by testing blood from a prick of the finger.

Prevention

There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by:

• Using sterile or not sharing needles, syringes, or other drug equipment
• Avoiding sexual activity with a person who is infected with HCV
• Receiving tattoos or body piercings by licensed professionals in a regulated environment
• Using safe sex practices

Treatment

Waiting to get treatment can risk future health issues, so it is important to seek treatment right away once an individual confirms they have hepatitis C.

The most common method of treatment is oral medications called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). These medications usually have very few side effects and cure more than 95% of people in just 8–12 weeks. Our specialized Infectious Disease Nurse will provide you with support every step of the way, from testing to treatment

Sources: CDC, HHS.gov