Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is carried in the blood of infected people.
According to various estimates, anywhere from 3 to 10 million people in the United States are carriers of the virus. One reason for this is because the virus wasn't even diagnosed until the late 1980s. In fact, a majority of carriers are still unaware of their HCV status.
Hepatitis C is serious for some people, but not for others. Most people who get hepatitis C carry the virus for the rest of their lives. The majority will experience some liver damage, but may not feel sick from the disease.
Some people with liver damage, due to hepatitis C, may develop cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver and liver failure, which may take many years to develop.
Causes of hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with infected blood, such as:
- injecting illicit drugs with shared needles
- receiving HCV-infected blood transfusions (before 1992) or blood clotting products (before 1987)
- receiving an HCV-infected organ transplant
- receiving long-term kidney dialysis treatment (dialysis machines can be tainted with HCV-infected blood)
- sharing toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, or other personal hygiene items that have HCV-infected blood on them
- being accidentally stuck by an HCV-infected needle or having frequent contact with HCV-infected people (concerns for health care workers)
- receiving a tattoo, body piercing, or acupuncture with unsterilized, or improperly sterilized, equipment
Hepatitis C can also spread through:
- an HCV-infected mother to her baby at the time of birth
- sexual contact with someone infected with HCV
- sharing a straw when inhaling drugs, such as cocaine, with someone infected by HCV
- receiving a transfusion of HCV-contaminated blood
HCV cannot spread through:
- the air
- unbroken skin
- casual social contact
- breastfeeding
Risks factors of hepatitis C
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors that may increase your chance of getting hepatitis C include:
- receiving a blood transfusion before 1992
- receiving blood clotting products before 1987
- having long-term kidney dialysis treatment
- getting tattoos or body piercings
- injecting illicit drugs, especially with shared needles
- having sex with partners who have other sexually transmitted diseases
To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call the UPMC Liver Cancer Center, toll-free, at 1-855-74-LIVER or complete our contact form now.