Overview: Hepatitis C
New Wyoming Cases 2009 : 528
Hepatitis C is a blood borne pathogen that attacks and injures the liver. An estimated 270-300 million people worldwide are infected with Hepatitis C; about 4.1 million of those cases are in America, and 3.2 million of those are chronically infected. In 2006 there were 586 new hepatitis C cases reported in Wyoming. Chronic infection is now the most common reason for liver transplants.
Once infection occurs, it can begin to scar the liver. In some cases, this leads to liver failure or other complications including liver cancer or life-threatening esophageal or gastric problems. Transmission occurs when blood from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. Unprotected sexual activity is one means of infection, but other causes include: injection drug use; blood transfusions or organ transplantations; inadequately or improperly sterilized medical or dental equipment; improperly sterilized tattooing or piercing equipment; shared personal care items; accidental exposure to another person's blood; an from an infected mother to her unborn child.
The best way to prevent hepatitis C exposure is to avoid exposure to infected blood; however, there may be no visible signs that a person is infected, so general precautions should be observed: avoid contact with anything that may have an infected person's blood on it (razors, scissors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, etc.); use a lubricated condom during any sexual activity; do not inject drugs, and never share drug paraphernalia; notify all medical personnel (doctors and dentists) if you are infected; follow routine barrier precautions if you are in the health or public safety sector; and get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
Symptoms: Hepatitis C
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Between 60% to 70% of people infected with hepatitis C show no symptoms during the first six months. Those who do experience symptoms might notice nonspecific symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, itching, fatigue, mild nausea or vomiting. Once hepatitis C infection reaches chronic status, symptoms can include fluid in the abdomen, bruising and bleeding, and cognitive impairment.
Treatment: Hepatitis C
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There are vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, but as of yet, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C (HCV). Treatment includes a combination of antiviral drugs for 24-48 weeks but is only effective for approximately half of the people who are infected; treatment is much more successful before the infection reaches chronic status.
Support: Hepatitis C
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- Wyoming Health Council
Here you will find information about reproductive health and family planning; men’s, women’s and adolescent health; Wyoming Migrant Health Program; Women’s Wellness Program; and Faith Community Nursing. By clicking on the topic buttons on their web site you will be connected to current information, research and links to other valuable websites and resources. - SPEEK Peer Education Program
Empowers teens and helps them make healthy decisions - Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases
A site designed to assist the families of children living with hepatitis, HIV/AIDS or other chronic, viral infectious diseases - National Institutes of Health
A website from the nation's medical research agency, making important medical discoveries that improve health and save lives - Hepatitis Foundation International
Cultivating a community that helps people with hepatitis concerns manage and fulfill their lives - Hep C Connection
An organization dedicated to educating the general public about hepatitis C and providing resources and support for those affected by the virus - HCV Advocate
A website designed to address the lack of education, support and services for HCV positive individuals - Teen Advice
Advice and community for teens - Talk About Sex
Information about sexuality, health, the self and others - STD Awareness
A website created for STD prevention partners and stakeholders to support STD outreach - Sexual Health Network
A site dedicated to providing easy access to sexuality information, education, support and other resources - Go Ask Alice!
A health question and answer Internet resource produced by the Alice! Health Promotion Program at Columbia University - American Social Health Association
A trusted source of information on STDs and sexual health - Kaiser Family Foundation
A clearinghouse for information about health and healthcare - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
An online source for credible health information
