Some 3.2 million Americans have hepatitis C, and about 17,000 more are infected each year. Hepatitis C is the most common infection in the U.S. that is spread through blood. Hepatitis B is also commonly spread through blood. Hepatitis A is usually spread through food or water. All three forms are caused by viruses.
The Liver is the body part most affected by Hepatitis C? True
"Hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. In addition to a virus, hepatitis can also result from overuse of drugs or alcohol, illnesses, medications, or even an immune disorder.
The liver's jobs are to clean your blood, help digest fats, and store energy. A liver that's swollen and damaged by hepatitis C slowly stops working as it should.
Hepatitis C can stay active in your body and slowly damage the liver over time. This is called chronic hepatitis C. You may develop cirrhosis, a condition in which most of the liver has been destroyed and has become scar tissue.
The first symptom of Hepatitis C is high Fever? False
Hepatitis C usually doesn't cause any symptoms. If it isn't diagnosed, it can take as long as 30 years for serious signs of liver damage to develop.
Some people can have symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. But because these symptoms can be signs of so many other things, it's best to ask your doctor to test you. If you have hepatitis C, you can spread the virus even if you aren't having symptoms.
Teenagers are most likely to have Hepatitis C? False
Baby boomers -- people born from 1945 to 1965 -- have the highest rates of hepatitis C. It may be that they became infected in the '70s and '80s when hepatitis C rates were high and blood wasn't screened as well as it is now.
The CDC says all boomers should be tested, along with anyone who ever used illegal drugs, had blood transfusions before 1992, or has HIV or liver disease symptoms. If you think you've been exposed to hepatitis C, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
You can get Hepatitis C by having Sex? True
It isn't easy to get infected with hepatitis C through sex, but it's still possible. If you have multiple partners or if you or your partner has hepatitis C, it's a good idea to use a latex condom.
You're more likely to get hepatitis C by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Health care workers sometimes get it from needle injuries.
Getting Tattoos and Piercings can put you at risk for Hepatitis C? True
Your chances of having problems at a licensed, commercial facility are slim. But tattoos or piercings done with nonsterile instruments can spread hepatitis C.
If you get a tattoo or piercing, look for a facility that works with all single-use items like gloves, needles, and ink pots. The shop should properly dispose of all items that have touched blood, use a disinfecting solution to clean work areas, and sterilize reusable tools.
A vaccine can prevent Hepatitis C? False
There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B, but there isn't one for hepatitis C. To keep from getting infected, avoid contact with other people's blood. Don't share personal items like razors and toothbrushes, especially with someone who has hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C cannot be spread by hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing, or breastfeeding. Unlike hepatitis A, you can’t get hepatitis C from food or water.
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Dr Theresa Higgo
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