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Hep C facts
Description
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a type of hepatitis that is mostly transmitted intravenously, through a blood transfusion, sharing needles while using illegal drugs, or an accidental "needle-stick" in a health care setting. Hepatitis C often leads to chronic liver disease.

Symptoms
Hepatitis C can progress to chronic hepatitis usually with no early acute symptoms. Symptoms of progressive, chronic, viral hepatitis may be subtle. Some patients develop pain in small joints in the body. The symptoms of chronic autoimmune hepatitis range from minimal to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, fever, and weight loss. The liver and spleen are often enlarged. In addition, patients with this condition may experience skin disorders, and the abdomen or legs may be swollen due to the accumulation of fluid.

Number of Americans diagnosed
4.5 million

Long-term problems/treatments
In some patients, chronic hepatitis B or C can lead to long-term disability or liver failure before they experience any symptoms at all. Liver cells are destroyed between the portal tract and the central veins in the liver, and progressive cell damage can build a layer of scar tissue over the liver, resulting in cirrhosis. In such cases, the entire liver is threatened with malfunction and failure.

Frequently, people learn that they have HCV from a blood test during a routine physical or because they have donated blood. While testing positive is not good news, it is not all doom and gloom or a death sentence. Here are a some important things to remember.

  • *Don’t panic. In most people the infection does not disappear, so you need to learn to live with it. Think positively. Many people live 20 - 40 years with the virus without becoming seriously ill or having liver failure.
  • *Get regular medical attention. A physician who knows about HCV, a gastroenterologist or hepatologist, can watch for signs of trouble, identify problems and keep you informed about new treatments.
  • *Avoid contact with blood. HCV can be transmitted by blood. Cover open cuts and don’t share razors, toothbrushes, manicure tools, needles, or anything that might have even the smallest amount of blood on it. Be wary of menstrual blood as well.
  • *Protect your liver. Your liver is already stressed by the hepatitis virus. Omit or severely limit alcohol use. Alcohol should not be take with other drugs and especially acetaminophen, the ingredient in Tylenol, and a number of other headache and cold remedies. The combination may damage your liver that is already trying to fight off the virus. Check with your doctor before using any medications, including over-the-counter drugs or alternative medicines.
  • *Be concerned about sex partners. While studies have shown the risk of sexual transmission is low between long-term, monogamous couples, people with new or multiple sexual partners should use latex condoms. Inform potential partners that you have the virus. In addition, viral levels in the blood can vary widely or rise in response to immunosuppressive drugs, which would make HCV carriers more infectious at certain times. Virus levels increase when certain medications such as corticosteroids or cyclosporine are taken. People with HCV who take these drugs should discuss precautions needed with their doctor.
Be informed!

Links for useful information regarding Hep C

A link to very useful resources:
http://www.coreymondello.com/HepC.html

A very easy site to navigate and find info and links to other info on Hep C
http://hepatitis-c.de/hepace.htm

The National Hep C Coalition, a non-profit site with chat room, info and more
http://nationalhepatitis-c.org/

An overall very useful site with lots of great info
http://www.epidemic.org/

Site brought to you by the National Digestive Diseases Information ClearinghouseA highly informative site dealing with everything you need to know about Hep Chttp://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/chrnhepc/chrnhepc.htm

Great network to connect with others and find support groupshttp://www.hepc-connection.org/

Hepatitus Foundation International, great site for info and finding support, caregiver, and morehttp://www.hepfi.org/

Great information and overall useful sitehttp://www-pub.naz.edu:9000/~jlguza/index.html
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