| What is Hepatitis C? |
| Hepatitis C is a is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have the disease. Hepatitis C is a viral illness that affects the liver. In 1990 an antibody to the Hepatitis C virus was identified, but before that the illness was known as "non-A, non-B Hepatitis". |
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| How is Hepatitis C Spread? |
Hepatitis C is spread by blood-to-blood contact. Therefore, anyway that one person's blood may be in contact with an infected person's blood will spread the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
Some of the most common ways of spreading the virus are: |
 transfusion of blood products |
| intravenous drug use |
| sharing needles |
| tattooing |
| and, body piercing |
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| The risk of transmitting Hepatitis C through transfusions of blood or blood products has decreased significantly since all blood donors are now screened for Hepatitis C. |
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| How can I prevent Spreading Hepatitis C? |
| There is no need for anyone with the Hepatitis C Virus to be socially isolated. Because (HCV) is spread through blood-to-blood contact people with (HCV) should take some precautions. They include: |
| Do not donate blood or blood products. |
| Do not share razors or toothbrushes. |
| Let anyone who is contact with your blood know that you are HCV Positive. This would include but not be limited to dentists, blood technicians, nurses. |
| If you are an intravenous drug user; Do not share needles or other drug items that come in contact with your blood. |
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| Is there a treatment for Hepatitis C? |
| The treatment for chronic Hepatitis C has evolved from the use of interferon alfa-2b (IFN) used alone (monotherapy) to interferon alfa-2b being used in combination with ribavirin. The most recent interferon, Peginterferon alfa-2b powder for injection has also been used alone. However used in combination, Peginterferon alfa-2b and Ribavirin (PegIntron + Rebetol) is now the accepted treatment. Advances in clinical trial research brought about the development of the more advanced peginterferon treatment. Schering-Plough Research Institute developed a once a week interferon injection called Pegylated Interferon, PEG-interferon alfa 2b. The Peg-interferon is taken in combination with Ribavirin. Combination therapy with Peginterferon-alfa-2b and Ribavirin (PegIntron + Rebetol) has shown that clearance of the virus is significantly higher when compared to standard Interferon and Ribavirin (Rebetron). |
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| How important is it to be treated for Hepatitis C? |
| Unless your body has fought off the Hepatitis C infection on its own, which happens in about 15% of cases, treatment may be needed to control chronic Hepatitis C. Sometimes, the treatment takes a long time to work, and sometimes it may not help. But because this disease can get worse over time, it is very important to seek proper treatment and care from your doctor. The goal of treatment for Hepatitis C is to eliminate the virus from your body early to try to avoid progression to cirrhosis and serious, end-stage liver disease. Once end-stage liver disease has set in, the only treatment is a liver transplant. |
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| For more information, please see our Health
Library on Hepatitis. |
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here if you would like to check our prices. |
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