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HEPATITIS C : HCV is the virus that
causes Hepatitis C, a serious and potentially fatal, liver disease.
This disease used to be known as Non-A Non-B hepatitis. There is
no vaccine for HCV. Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis
B only.
Because there are few, if any initial symptoms,
diagnosis usually occurs long after the virus has been contracted.
It is not unusual for people to discover that they have had the
disease for 20 years or more.
Up to 40% of HCV positive persons cannot identify
when, or how they were infected.
For about 70% of HCV positive persons, no symptoms
ever appear. However they must be careful not to spread the disease
and to avoid liver damaging substances.
Do NOT share razors, manicure tools, toothbrushes,
or anything that can transmit blood. Professional manicurists and
hairdressers must sterilize, not just disinfect, tools. If you decide
to get a tattoo, use new ink as well as sterile needles
Why should I get tested
if I have no symptoms?
The HCV virus can cause serious liver damage,
and for a small number, will result in the need for a liver transplant.
HCV is the leading cause of liver transplant in the U.S. Often the
first symptoms are vague flu-like symptoms, such as chronic fatigue,
and are easily misdiagnosed. Elevated liver enzymes discovered in
routine blood tests should be followed up with a test for HCV.
Liver damage may be prevented if treated early
enough. Likewise, drinking alcohol will accelerate the viral process
and speed up liver damage. While many HCV positive persons do not
develop serious liver disease, they can infect others. Treatment
is available, but there is no vaccine and no cure.
Is HCV sexually transmitted?
Research suggests a 1-15% transmission rate among
long-term partners. The CDC has averaged the studies into a 5% overall
risk factor. Decisions regarding the use of condoms in a long-term
relationship should be discussed between partners. Latex condoms
reduce risk, but do not eliminate it.
Who is at greatest risk?
Recipients of blood products or a transfusion
before 1992. This includes premature babies, children, and women
who had caesarian sections.
IV drug use, even once, a long time ago
Tattoos
Body piercing
nasal cocaine use
multiple sex partners
Occupational exposure to blood and blood products.
Corrections staff, medical laboratory personnel, public SAFETY personnel,
nurses, physicians
Veterans
Currently, acute cases of HCV are occurring among
persons 20 to 39 years old, and there is a slight male predominance.
Persons of Hispanic ethnicity have higher incidence rates than do
other groups. African-Americans and Caucasians have approximately
the same incidence rate.
Mentoring Program
Some people are not comfortable with a computer,
and there are those, too, for whom a referral to a support group
is not sufficient. They are not willing to go to a meeting, whatever
their reasons. Here is my idea/plan. What we CAN do is to keep a
directory of people from across the country who are willing to speak
to others about HCV. We can list your phone number, you preferences
for the type of calls you feel comfortable with (for example, women
to women, mothers, spouses of HCV positive persons, transplant)
This is not a substitute for professional counseling or medical
advise. If you volunteer, please be mindful of this. I call it MENTORING.
People will be listed both geographically and by areas of interest.
You let us know whether we can share your telephone number (and
first name only) with anyone, or whether you would like their first
name and number emailed to you. You decide. Also tell us whether
you will call someone long distance, or only locally. Obviously,
most mentors will have access to the computer, although this could
also broaden to include those who don't. All information will be
kept confidential. If you wish to participate, please become familiar
with our mission statement. It is the standard we set for ourselves
and those who work with us.
Teresa Hanbey
Hepatitis C Outreach Project
PO Box 248
Vancouver, Washington 98666
telephone number:
(360) 694-5649 or
patient support line 1-888-968- HCOP
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