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Cause
Hepatitis C is caused by infection with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
Statistics and Trends
It is estimated that approximately 4 million people in the United States have been infected with Hepatitis C. Approximately 160,000 Michigan residents have been infected with Hepatitis C.
Signs and Symptoms
In the early stages of the disease, Hepatitis C may cause few or no symptoms. It is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of individuals infected with the virus do not know they are infected. In individuals who are symptomatic, signs and symptoms may include:
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
Long-Term Effects
Fifteen to twenty-five percent of people infected with the Hepatitis C virus will clear the virus from their body. The others will go on to develop chronic infection within 20 to 30 years after infection . Of those chronically infected:
- 10 to 20 percent will develop cirrhosis
- 8,000 to 10,000 will die every year in the United States
- Hepatitis C is a leading indicator in the United States for liver transplants
Transmission
Transmission occurs through blood-to-blood contact. You are at risk for Hepatitis C if you:
- Received a blood transfusion or an organ before 1992
- Received blood products before1987
- Injected drugs even once
- Had exposure to blood products or are employed in a health care field or a public safety worker
- Had unprotected sex with more than one sexual partner and/or you have a sexually transmitted disease
- Were born to a mother with Hepatitis C
Vaccination
There is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C infection
Treatment/Medical Management
Individuals at risk for infection with the Hepatitis C virus should be offered testing and counseling. Individuals found to be infected with the virus should be evaluated by their physician for liver disease and should work with their physician to make individual decisions about treatment.
For your health:
- See your doctor
- Seek support
- Abstain from alcohol and other drugs
- Get the Hepatitis A and B vaccines
- Keep a positive attitude
- Exercise
- Eat healthy
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Adapted from the Hepatitis C Fact Sheet developed by the Michigan Department of Health.
Rev May 2006 |
