Download a printable version of this fact sheet pdf. All adults, pregnant women, and people with risk factors should get tested for hepatitis c. Your doctor will want to do blood tests occasionally to see how your liver is working. Approximately 6% of infants born to infected mothers will get hepatitis c. Hepatitis c is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis c virus. However, hepatitis is most often caused by a virus. Hepatitis c is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver. Hcv is spread when blood from a person with hcv enters the blood of someone who is not. In he us, 70 percent of people are infected with genotypes. The disease can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness causing liver failure. Formerly known as nona, nonb hepatitis, hepatitis c is an rna virus that affects the liver.
Hepatitis c can be either acute shortterm or chronic longterm. Hepatitis c is usually spread by sharing needles among injection drug use, or passed from mother to child during childbirth. Chronic hepatitis c can cause serious health problems including liver disease, cirrhosis, and. Signs and symptoms in the early stages of the disease, hepatitis c may cause few or no symptoms. Hepatitis a is a highly contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis a virus hav. Hepatitis c in the who european region fact sheet july 2019 key facts on hepatitis c hepatitis c in the european region hepatitis c is a liver disease that a. Hepatitis c fact sheet hepatitis c hcv is the virus that causes the liver disease hepatitis c.
Hepatitis is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis virus hv. Find out more about what causes hepatitis c, symptoms, and treatment. Hepatitis a is not caused by the same virus as hepatitis b or hepatitis c, although all three of these diseases can cause similar symptoms. Hepatitis c is a liver disease caused by a specific type of virus called hepatitis c virus hcv. Some people have it and may never know it as they are affected by any sorts of symptoms. Hepatitis c can be both a shortterm acute illness and an ongoing chronic infection that may gradually damage the liver. Hepatitis a is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis a virus hav which multiplies in the liver and is shed in the feces.
Acute hepatitis refers to the first several months after someone is infected. Hepatitis c fact sheet health resources and services. Subscribe to our free newsletters to receive latest health news and alerts to your email inbox. Hepatitis a fact sheet virginia department of health. Hepatitis c is a disease that causes inflammation and infection of the liver. In order to treat hepatitis it is important to see a doctor. To reduce the risk of becoming infected with the hepatitis c virus. Acute hcv infection is usually asymptomatic and is only very rarely associated with life. Shortterm protection against hepatitis a is available from immune globulin. Mazoff, phd hcsp fact sheet a series of fact sheets written by experts in the field of liver disease. When the hepatitis c virus hcv enters the blood, it travels to the liver. Download pdf nvhr is a nonprofit that receives funding from a diversity of sources, including pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, governments, foundations and. Hepatitis c fact sheets viral hepatitis and liver disease.
Always wash your hands with soap and water after using. When someone is first infected with the hepatitis c virus, they can have a very mild illness with few or no symptoms or a serious condition requiring hospitalization. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Hepatitis c fact sheet virginia department of health.
Overview of the facts about hepatitis c virus for consumers home hepatitis learn about viral hepatitis hepatitis c basics topics on this page. Fact sheet oshas bloodborne pathogens standard bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease in humans. Drug use tattoos body piercing pdf what i need to know about hepatitis c. In ontario, hepatitis c is a specified reportable communicable disease as per ontario regs 55991 and amendments under the health protection and promotion act. Learn more about the 3 different types of hepatitis c. Hepatitis c fact sheet hepatitis c is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis c virus hcv. Centers for disease control and prevention patient education resources. Approximately 75%85% of people who become infected with hcv will. Hepatitis c is a blood borne infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis c virus hcv.
Hepatitis c is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis c virus hcv. Hepatitis c can spread through blood transfusions, however since reliable blood tests for the hepatitis c virus have become. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections all can cause hepatitis. Fact sheet women and hepatitis c key facts dot h tothe enters for disease ontrol and prevention estimates that 2. Today, most people become infected with hepatitis c by sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. Hepatitis a is a contagious liver disease that is a result of infection with the hepatitis a virus. It can be chronic lifelong unless successfully treated, resulting in liver damage, cirrhosis scarring of the liver, and liver cancer. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. It results from infection with the epatitis c h virus hcv, which is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis c hcv is the virus that causes the liver disease hepatitis c. As examples, hcv is spread through sharing needles or. The centers for disease control and prevention cdc now recommends onetime screening for hepatitis c infection in all u.
Over time, chronic hepatitis c can cause serious health problems. New antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of persons with hepatitis c infection, greatly reducing the risk of complications and death. Although all types of viral hepatitis can cause similar symptoms, they are spread in different. Heres why one man got a hepatitis c test his only risk factor was being born between 1945 and 1965. Thus, physicians and laboratories are obligated to report these diseases to the. Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing. After many years, it can lead to serious liver damage and sometimes even liver cancer. Sharing drugs, needles, or works are common ways that people become infected. Of individuals exposed to hcv as adults, 85% will develop chronic hepatitis c. Hepatitis occurs as three different viruses hepatitis a, b and c and it might happen for several different reasons. Formerly known as nona, nonb hepatitis, hepatitis c is an rna virus that accounts for about 20% of all cases of acute hepatitis. Hepatitis c is a virus that is acquired after being exposed to the blood of someone who has it.
In he us, 70 percent of people are infected with genotypes 1a and 1b. In most cases, hepatitis c causes no noticeable symptoms until the liver has been significantly damaged. An estimated 7585% of hcvinfected persons will develop chronic infection. Hepatitis a fact sheet visited on 532007 prevention hepatitis a vaccine is the best protection. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. The last thing james myhre expected to hear was that he had hepatiti.
When the inflammation is caused by infection with the hepatitis c virus hcv, the disease is called hepatitis c. Hepatitis c is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants in the united states. Most people who have hv develop a chronic, lifelong, infection. Generally, doctors recommend rest, good nutrition, fluids, and treatment of symptoms to help a person recover from hepatitis a. If you have symptoms at all, here are some to look out for, as listed by the mayo clinic. Heavy alcohol use, some medications, toxins, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. For people in recovery from mental illness or addiction samhsa, 2015 infographic. Most infections are due to illegal injection drug use. It is caused by the hepatitis c virus hcv and can cause acute. This disease is serious because the virus affects the liver, a vital organ of the body. It is a contagious liver disease that damages the liver.
Hepatitis c can spread through blood transfusions, however since reliable blood tests for the hepatitis c virus have become available, it is very unlikely for this to be the. Hepatitis c general fact sheet pdf spanish pdf bloodtoblood hepatitis c. A new cdc report shows cases of hepatitis c have spiked among americans, especially young people. Hepatitis c is a virus that can infect and damage the liver. Faqs ask a question toll free numbers media contact hospitals and clinics vet centers regional benefits offices regional loan centers cemetery locations hepatitis is a disease that dama. Well explain the different types of hepatitis c, how it spreads, symptoms, screening, testing, diagnosis, treatment, and more. Chronic hepatitis c is a serious disease that can result in longterm health problems, including liver damage, liver failure, and liver cancer. In the united states, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis a, hepatitis b, and hepatitis c.
It can be acute, lasting only a few weeks, in 1525% of individuals, resulting in a mild illness. Department veterans health administration hepatitis a hepatitis b hepatitis c a virus that causes sickness to the liver goes away in about 2 months a virus that causes sickness to the liver usually goes away after several months if it does not go away, it can cause. It can be given before and within 2 weeks after coming in contact with hav. To protect the liver from other forms of viral hepatitis, get vaccinated against hepatitis a and. It lives in liver tissue and blood and can cause severe scarring and damage to the liver. Hepatitis involves an inflammation of the liver, which diminishes the livers ability to function. Get more information on viral hepatitis by accessing. Hepatitis c virus is one of many different viruses that can infect the liver. Acute hepatitis c is the phase when you are first exposed to the disease. Hepatitis c, a virus that attacks the liver, is a tricky disease. Several middle and highincome countries have succeeded in negotiating lower prices, but. Avoid alcohol, and check with a doctor before taking any prescription pills, supplements, or overthecounter medications.
The following is from the centers for disease control and prevention cdc hepatitis c website. Also available in hindi hepatitis b and adoption 2017. Hepatitis c is a viral infection that affects the liver. Hepatitis b fact sheet university of nevada, las vegas. H e p a ti ti s b v a c c i n e p rot ect y ourself and those y ou love hepatitis b is the most common serious liver infection in the world. Hav can be spread person to person or through contaminated food or beverages. Hepatitis c is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver. After many years, it can lead to serious liver damage and. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis b virus hbv, hepatitis c virus hcv, and human immunodeficiency virus hiv, the virus that causes aids.
People born from 1945 to 1965 should be tested for hepatitis c, even if they dont believe they have risk factors for the virus. Hv is spread when blood from a person with hv enters the blood of someone who is not infected. When the inflammation is caused by infection with the hepatitis a virus hav, the disease is called hepatitis a. The only way to know if you have hepatitis b is to get tested. Hepatitis a ranges in severity from a mild disease lasting several weeks to a severe disease lasting several months. Iv drug users, persons receiving blood products such as transfusions or organ transplants prior to july 1992. Prevalence of hepatitis c in canada an estimated 300,000 canadians are currently infected with hepatitis c virus,7 and 3,2005,000 individuals are newly infected each year. People with chronic hepatitis c usually appear well for many years but may develop symptoms as their liver damage progresses. Viral infections include hepatitis a hav, hepatitis b hbv, and hepatitis c hcv. Acute infection igm antihav hbsag, plus igm antihbc no serologic marker for acute. Some people who get infected are able to clear, or get rid of, the hepatitis c virus, but most people who get infected develop a chronic, or longterm, infection. Here are some important facts regarding hepatitis c.
Our fact sheets are available in an easytoprint pdf format. Hepatitis c virus has 6 different genotypes and more than 50 subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 4a, 5a, 6a. Sharing drugs, needles, or works are common ways that people become. Fact sheet hepatitis c in the who european region although the production cost of daas is low, these medicines remain very expensive in many high and middleincome countries. Hepatitis c is a virus that enters the bloodstream and then infects the liver. Hepatitis a fact sheet there are no special medicines that can be used to treat a person once the symptoms appear. Genotype and subtype refers to the genetic makeup and strain of the virus.
The hepatitis c virus is usually spread when someone comes into contact with blood from an infected person. The hepatitis c continuity program is a program for new york state nys department of correctional and community supervision doccs inmates who are under treatment for hepatitis c hcv. Hepatitis c fact sheet the disease hepatitis c is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis c virus. People may also get hepatitis c from sexual contact with an infected person or improperly sterilized medical, acupuncture, piercing, or tattooing equipment. Fact sheets resources national viral hepatitis roundtable. There are pills that can now cure most people with hv. It is caused by the hepatitis b virus hb v, which attacks liver cells and can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis scarring, or liver cancer later in life. Hepatitis b can be a serious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis b virus. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor you have hepatitis c.
Hepatitis c is most often spread from person to person through contact with infected blood. About 80% of people infected with hepatitis c develop chronic longlasting infection. Hepatitis c virus hcv causes both acute and chronic infection. Hepatitis c can be transmitted when blood from an hcvinfected person enters the body of a person who is not infected. If you dont have hepatitis c symptoms, you still might be infected. The hepatitis b foundation has created a variety of materials for those seeking more information about hepatitis b. About the hepatitis b foundation 2018 the hepatitis b vaccine.
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