Hepatitis C

Also known as - Hep C and HCV

Quick
Facts

It is the most common bloodborne infection in the U.S.

55,000 Philly residents are believed to have hepatitis C.

Over 50% of people living with a hepatitis C are not even aware that they are infected.

People born between 1945-1965 are the most likely to have hepatitis C. Although the number of younger people that are infected is quickly increasing.

There is a cure for hepatitis C.

So, what can you tell me about hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver. It spreads when the blood of an infected person comes into contact with a healthy person’s body fluids. People with hepatitis C do not always have symptoms, so you can live with hep C for a long time and never know it. Understanding your risk and getting tested is important – the earlier you learn your hep C status, the better your chances are of preventing serious liver disease.

Hep C infections can be either acute or chronic

Acute

A mild illness that happens within the first year after infection

Can develop into a chronic infection

20% of adults will be cured of an acute infection without medical help

An estimated 4-10% of infants with HCV positive moms will be infected with hep C during childbirth

People who recover from an acute hep C infection can be infected with hep C again

Chronic

A long term infection that remains in the body for a lifetime

Can result in long term health issues including cancer and death

80% of people exposed to hep C as adults will develop a chronic infection

Up to 3.2 million people in the U.S. might be infected with chronic hepatitis C

Most people who have chronic hepatitis C are not aware that they are infected

How is hepatitis C spread?

Blood

Hepatitis C is spread when blood from a person infected with hep C enters the body or mixes with the blood of an uninfected person.

Can You Guess How
Hepatitis C Is Spread?

SEX

Hmmm....

Anal sex is riskier than vaginal or oral sex, but anytime blood is exposed during sex, you could be put at risk.

CHILD BIRTH

Maybe.

It's estimated that 25% of babies born to positive mothers will be infected. So it's best to talk to your doctor if you're pregnant.

DRUG EQUIPMENT

Absolutely.

This is one of the most common ways that new hep C infections are passed along. Use clean works every time!

TOILETRIES

Barely.

But anything with traces of blood poses a risk, so be safe and don't share toothbrushes or razors.

HIGH FIVING

Nope.

That is unless both of you have open wounds on your hand and one of you has hep C. So keep your high fives blood free.

FRENCH KISSING

Probably not.

If one person has open mouth sores or bleeding gums, it's possible. But this type of transmission is extremely rare.

BREAST FEEDING

Be careful.

If a mother with hep C has cracked or bleeding nipples or areolas, it's possibles. Otherwise it should be safe.

TATTOOS AND PIERCINGS

Definitely.

It is spread by needles and other materials that have not been properly cleaned. Tattoo parties are a huge risk.

PLAYING VIDEOGAMES

Safe!

That is until they make a game where blood splatters out of your TV. Let's hope that never happens.

ORGAN TRANSPLANT

It depends...

If you received an organ transplant before 1992, you'll probably want to get tested.

WORK RELATED EXPOSURE

Yes.

Through needlesticks, or exposure to blood or open wounds.

BLOOD TRANSFUSION

Where and when?

If you got a transfusion before 1992 or if you come from a country with high hep C rates, you should get tested.

Do I have hepatitis C?

You might have Hep C if you...

  • Were born between 1945 and 1965
  • Have shared needles, cotton, or other items used for injection drugs such as heroin
  • Have received a blood transfer or an organ transplant before 1992
  • Were tattooed or body pierced at a tattoo party or other unlicensed venues
  • Have been exposed to blood at the place where you work
  • Have had unprotected sex which could have caused minor internal or external bleeding
  • Were born to a mother who has hep C

symptoms are a bit tricky

People who have hepatitis C rarely show symptoms, regardless if it is an acute or chronic infection. The lack of symptoms makes getting tested for hep C much more important. However, it is important to keep in mind that just because symptoms are rare, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get them if you are infected.

Symptoms Include:

Yellowing of
the skin or eyes
Fever
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Dark urine (pee)
Gray feces (poop)
Nausea or vomiting

What If I Think I Have Hepatitis C?

See A Doctor!

If you think you have been exposed to hepatitis C, don’t wait for symptoms to get tested! If you wait until symptoms show up to get tested, your liver may already be damaged beyond repair. Hepatitis is known as a silent killer because it can live in your body for years without you knowing it. So if you think you have been exposed to hepatitis C, tell your medical provider you’d like to be tested.

There Is A Cure!

If you test positive, there are medications that can CURE the virus. You may have heard that hep C treatment has terrible side effects or that you need weekly shots. That was true for a long time, but not anymore! Now is a great time to ask your provider about getting treated.

The new hep C treatment regimens are about 12 weeks long and have minimal side effects compared to the old treatments. In a few years, treatment will be down to one pill a day. The new medications are also curing almost 100% of people who have hep C!

Want to find care or assistance?

Want to get tested for hepatitis? Lack insurance and need assistance? Are you a doctor with a Spanish speaking client who needs translation? No matter your needs, we can help! Check out our Support + Care page to find a place in your community that can give you the healthcare support you deserve.

Where Can I Find More Hep C Info?