EPAHCC.org

What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a virus found in a person's blood that can attack and destroy the liver, which can lead to liver failure and death. However, based on the evidence, most people diagnosed with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) do not experience advanced liver disease.

Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms, and don't know that they are infected. Research has found that symptoms and physical signs of HCV infection rarely appear until 15-30 years after initial exposure.

Who Gets Hepatitis C?
The major risk groups are:

People who had blood transfusions before 1992.
People who have frequent exposure to blood products. These include patients with hemophilia, solid organ transplants, chronic renal failure or cancer requiring chemotherapy.
Health care workers who suffer needle sticks.
Injection, including those who used drugs briefly many years ago (even if it was only once!).

Other groups who appear to be at slightly increased risk for Hepatitis C are:

People with high risk sexual behavior, multiple sex partners and sexually transmitted diseases.
People who are or have been on hemodialysis.
People who have their body pierced or tattoos.
People who use cocaine, particularly with intranasal administration, using shared equipment!

What are the symptoms?

Fatique
Depression
Fever
Loss of Appetite
Abdominal Discomfort
Lower Libido
Nausea & Vomiting
Itching (generalized or localized)
Mood Changes
Rash
Heat Intolerance
Muscle Pain
Jaundice
Low Light Vision

What Should I Do?
If you think you, or someone you know may be at-risk, talk to your doctor and get tested. The earlier you find out that you have Hepatitis C, the more likely treatment will be successful!

Is Hepatitis C Contagious?
It is transmitted by direct blood to blood contact and contaminated needles, and does not appear to be spread by sexual contact among monogamous relationships. Care should be taken to avoid blood exposure to others sharing toothbrushes, razors, needles, snorting tubes, nail clippers etc. In addition infected people should not donate blood and should inform their dental and medical health providers, so that proper precautions can be put in place.

Are you at Risk?

There is NO vaccine for Hepatitis C.
Have you:
	Received bood, blood products, or an organ transplant prior to 1992?
	Ever shared drug paraphernalia?
	Ever been stuck by a used blood needle?
	Been on kidney dialysis?
	Had a tatoo or body piercing?
	Had sexual activity that involves contact with blood?
	Held a job that exposed you to blood?
	Shared personal care items (razors, toothbrushes, etc.) with others?
	Ever been incarcerated?
	Been a combat veteran?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have been exposed to hepatitis C virus. GET TESTED! Get your free hepatitis C home test kit. Mail a request with your name and address to the EPAHCC mailing address, or by Email below. All names, addresses and phone numbers are held in the strictest confidentiality. EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA HEPATITIS C COALITION (EPAHCC) RR 8, Box 8585M, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 1-866-869-1211 Toll Free - Email: info@epahcc.org

More Facts

By the year 2010 there will be more people infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) than HIV (Aids). We are facing a silent epidemic.
50-80% of those infected with HCV will develop chronic hepatitis. Ultimately, 20-30% of those will progress to Cirrhosis.
Each year approximately 170,000 new cases of HCV occur in the United States of America .
26 Americans die each day from Hepatitis C complications.