Hepatitis C is a virus that causes damage to the liver. It can be a very serious disease and lead to liver failure, even liver cancer. According to the American Liver Association, more than 4 million Americans have been infected with hepatitis C, and 8 to 10 thousand people will die each year because of the disease. Signs of hepatitis C include yellowing of the skin (known as jaundice), a tender abdomen, and flu-like symptoms. But many people have no symptoms at all. That’s particularly dangerous. That’s when a person is most likely to spread the disease – unknowingly – to someone else.
From One Person to Another
Hepatitis C is most commonly spread from one person to another when the infected person’s blood enters the body and blood of another person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this can happen through a variety of ways, including:
- Receiving a blood transfusion, or blood product transfusion, of infected blood. This was more common before 1992 for the blood transfusions; and more common for blood product (such as clotting factor) transfusions before 1987. Spread of the virus by transfusions is much rarer today.
- Intravenous drug use – by sharing needles with someone who is infected.
- Receiving a donated organ from someone who was infected.
- Kidney dialysis – through contamination of the equipment used in the process.
- When a healthcare worker comes into contact with contaminated blood.
- Sexual activity with an infected person.
- Through birth. A mother can transmit the disease to her child during birth.
- Body piercing and tattooing – if the equipment used is not clean and was used on an infected person.
According to the CDC, blood on an environmental surface (for example, a tabletop) from a person with hepatitis C might have active virus in it. That active virus is usually infectious to others for at least 16 hours and possible for as long as four days.
Caregivers, Take Care
It is important that a person with hepatitis C understands how he or she could transmit the disease to someone else. It’s just as important for those who live with an infected person to understand the risk factors for becoming infected, and to do everything they can to protect themselves.
If you are caring for a person with hepatitis C, be very aware of the risk factors and work to protect yourself from exposure to the infected person’s blood. Blood outside of the body – from wounds or from menstruation – and medical equipment that has been in contact with blood should all be handled with routine safety precautions. General day-to-day contact with an infected person does not put a caregiver at risk for developing the disease.
Hepatitis C is diagnosed by having a blood test. If you are concerned that you might have been exposed to the virus, have a conversation with you doctor about getting tested. If you live with or care for someone with hepatitis C, you should also talk with your doctor about the best ways to protect yourself.
For more information about hepatitis C, contact the Hepatitis Foundation International and the American Liver Association. |
