The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that all persons born from 1945-1965 be tested for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), regardless of any identified risk.
Why? It is estimated that 75% of those infected with the HCV were born during this time, many with no identified risk.
Hepatitis C is a contagious virus that causes Liver Disease. NO vaccine is available.
HCV is the leading cause of cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, the most common reason for liver transplant, and accounts for approximately 19,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
There are 2 types, Acute and Chronic. Acute is a short term illness that occurs 2 weeks to 6 months, (on average 6-7 weeks), after you have been exposed to HCV. The body is able to successfully fight off the virus clearing it out of your body. On the other hand, Chronic is long term illness where the virus stays in the body leading to series liver problems including cirrhosis, liver cancer, even death. Unfortunately, 75-85% of positive HCV cases, turn into Chronic Disease, with 1 in 5 dying.
70-80% of infected persons report having no symptoms or very mild flu like symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, clay colored stools, and/or dark yellow/orange/brown urine.
HCV is not spread through the air, by coughing or sneezing. It is also not spread by hugging, kissing, sharing a handshake, or sharing of food, water, or dishes with infected persons.
It is primarily spread through contact with an infected person’s blood. There is a small risk if you share a toothbrush or a razor with an infected person. The spread by sex is very rare.
The Most Common Risk Factors for HCV Exposure Are:
- Having received a blood transfusion or organ transplant prior to 1992; before blood and organs were routinely tested for HCV.
- Having received blood products for clotting problems prior to 1987; before all blood products were tested for HCV.
- Children born to HCV+ Women; 6 out of 100 infants will test HCV positive.
- Current or Past IV drug use; needle, syringe or works sharing.
- Persons infected with HIV.
- Health care workers with a job related needle stick.
- Hemodialysis and long term dialysis patients.
- Tattooing and piercing, with used needles or inks.
HCV testing involves a simple blood test that checks for the presences of HCV antibodies. Results are reported as Non-Reactive or Reactive. Non-Reactive or Negative, means that no antibodies were found, you have not been exposed. Reactive or Positive, means antibodies were found, you have been exposed. If you test Reactive/Positive, additional tests are required to determine if you had the disease or currently have it. Liver function and liver enzyme testing may also be completed. Alcohol and Drug use assessment is also recommended, due to the effects these have on the liver.
Treatment for HCV has changed greatly over the past few years. Today there are many options available, some that may even rid the body of the disease. If you are HCV+ and not receiving treatment contact your medical provider today to see if you are a candidate for any of these new treatment options.
Resources Used
The resources used in this article and additional information can be found at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis. Hepatitis C FAQ for the Public, People Born 1945-1965 & Hepatitis C, Publication # 220401 and Publication # 220411.
HCV Resources:
- Those with medical insurance contact your medical provider to schedule an HCV test appointment.
- Those without insurance, call and schedule an application assistance appointment.
Badger Care Application Assistance:
- Northlakes Community Clinic: Minong, 715-466-2201 and Hayward, 1-715-634-2541.
- Washburn County Health Department: Spooner, 1-715-635-4400.
Affordable Care Act Application Assistance:
- Northwest CEP: Spooner, 1-715-635-2175.
- Northlakes Community Clinic: Minong, 715-466-2201 and Hayward, 1-715-634-2541.
Additional HCV Resources:
- Aids Resource Center of WI: Offers No Cost HCV Testing; By Appointment. Eau Claire 1-800-750-2437 or Superior 1-877-242-0282.
- Washburn County Veteran Services Office: Spooner, 715-635-4470.
Last Update: Jun 09, 2017 10:31 am CDT
