Hepatitis C
Hep C is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus, or HCV, which is found in the blood of persons who have the disease. You can get Hep C if your blood comes in contact with an infected person’s blood. Injecting drugs is the main way you can become infected with HCV, but there are other ways, too. You may have contracted Hep C if you: • were ever notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for Hep C • have ever injected illegal drugs, even if you only experimented once a long time ago • have shared drug paraphernalia (pipes, straws, water, cookers, cotton, etc…) • received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July, 1992 • were a recipient of clotting factors made before 1987 • have ever been on long term kidney dialysis • have evidence of liver disease (e.g. persistently abnormal ALT levels) You may have a minimal risk if you: • share personal items with people you are Hep C positive (razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers) • have received a tattoo, acupunture or piercing where dirty equipment (needles, paint, etc…) have been used • have unprotected sex where blood may be present For more information on the risk factors visit the Hepatitis C section on the Center for Disease Control’s website at Hepatitis C or check our educational resourcessection. Hep C is not spread by breast feeding or casual contact (sharing a drinking glass, coughing, or kissing) • Do not share personal items that might have blood on them (toothbrush, nail clippers, or similar items). • If injecting drugs, do not share needles. • If using drugs, do not share drug paraphernalia (pipes, straws, etc.). • Consider the risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. You might get infected if the artist's tools have someone else's blood on them. • Since Hep C can be spread by sex, use latex condoms correctly and consistently. This will help prevent the spread of other sexually transmitted diseases, too. Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect and damage the liver. In most cases, it is contracted through exposure to blood—usually from sharing contaminated needles while injecting drugs or, before 1992, through a blood transfusion or solid organ transplants. It can also be contracted through sexual contact, and it can be passed from mother to baby, although the risk is considered low. Other methods of spreading are uncommon but do occur. Hepatitis C antibody is produced in response to exposure to the Hepatitis C virus (Hep C). You should get tested if you feel you are at risk—and especially if you have HIV. Ask your healthcare provider about getting tested. If you have HIV, or you are at risk for it, get tested for Hep C as soon as possible. The sooner you know, the better your chances are for effective treatment. That means your liver has a better chance of staying strong…and you won’t be as likely to pass the virus to others accidentally. What’s involved with the Hep C test? Several blood tests are used in testing for Hep C. Some tests detect inflammation of your liver (a possible indication of Hep C), while other tests show if you were infected with Hep C in the past and what levels of the virus are in your body. There is also a test to determine if any damage has been done to your liver. All tests are performed by medical professionals. Where do I get tested for Hep C? If you believe you are at risk for Hep C, you should ask your primary care physician to perform the appropriate Hep C test. In a 6-county area, you can also get tested at: Durham County Health Department Person County Health Department Lincoln Community Health Center Whether you've been living with hepatitis C, you've just been diagnosed, or you're caring for someone who has, the knowledge you gain is the first step toward making decisions that can positively influence your health and well-being. Get the facts, Get tested if you are at risk, find a provider that knows about Hep C and communicate regularly. Other things to think about: • Do not shoot drugs; if you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program; if you can't stop, never share needles, syringes, water, or "works", and get vaccinated against hepatitis A & B • Do not share personal care items that might have blood on them (razors, toothbrushes) • If you are a health care or public safety worker, always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps; get vaccinated against hepatitis B • HCV can be spread by sex, but this is rare. If you are having sex with more than one steady sex partner, use latex condoms* correctly and every time to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. You should also get vaccinated against hepatitis B • If you are HCV positive, do not donate blood, organs, or tissue Not everyone needs to be tested for Hepatitis C. But you should be tested if you can answer “yes” to any questions on this list. What is Hep C?
About 4 million people in the U.S. live with Hep C, and it’s a growing problem in North Carolina. Most infected people don’t know they have it. Some get sick from it, and others don’t. But over time, Hep C causes liver damage. And your liver is important for life. There is no vaccine for Hep C, but symptoms can be treated. Get tested!How do I get Hep C?
How do I prevent Hep C?
Why should I get tested for Hep C?
Get Tested: Hep C
Take the first step toward getting tested…speak with your healthcare providers.
414 East Main Street, Durham
(919) 560-7601
355 South Madison Blvd, Roxboro
(336) 597-2204
Early Intervention Clinic at Durham Co. Health Dept.
414 East Main Street, Durham
(919) 560-7726 Living with Hep C
Should You Be Tested For Hepatitis C ?
These are not the only ways to contract the virus, so if you feel like there is ANY another reason you should be tested, talk to your health care provider.
