Q&A: The Straight Facts of Hepatitis C

After talking with several health care workers in my area and even the health department I found the information I was receiving on Hepatitis C varied from person to person. I found this lack of concrete information to be rather scary and went directly to the Center for Disease Control for more precise information. Here are the true facts of Hepatitis C.

Q: What is Hepatitis C?

A: Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus that cause liver damage and can result in severe health problems and even death if not treated.

Q: How can you NOT get or spread Hepatitis C?

A: Hepatitis C is not spread through coughing, sneezing, casual contact, sharing eating utensils, food, water or drinking after each other. Hepatitis C is a blood borne disease, so although gross you are not at risk if an infected person coughs or sneezes on you.

Q: I use to use needles should I get tested?

A: Using needles for drug use places you at very high risk of Hepatitis C. If you have ever used needles, even if only once or twice you should get tested for the disease.

Q: I received a blood transfusion , what are my risk factors for Hepatitis C?

A: If you received the blood transfusion prior to 1992 your risk factors are considered intermediate and testing is recommended. After 1992 screening of all donor blood has become more advanced and the risk of Hepatitis C is now as low as 1 chance in 2 million units transfused.

Q: Can you get Hepatitis C from sex?

A: one steady partner- The risk of Hepatitis C from sex is extremely low. Hepatitis C is a blood borne disease and the risk from contracting Hepatitis C from bodily fluids that are exchanged during sex is very remote.

Multiple partners- Even with multiple sex partners your risk of Hepatitis C is not increased. The use of condoms is always recommended to prevent the spread of other diseases.

Steady partner who is infected already- If your sexual partner is already infected with Hepatitis C your risk does not increase even then. Many people with Hepatitis C have had unprotected sex with their spouses and have never given the disease to their spouse. If you are concerned you can always use a condom during sex with your infected partner.

Oral sex- There is no evidence that Hepatitis C is spread through oral sex.

Also the Center for Disease Control states that although anyone can be tested if they want to have the test, testing for Hepatitis C is not recommended for exposure during sex.

Q: I have Hepatitis C should I refrain from breastfeeding?

A: No. A mother who has Hepatitis C can still breastfeed. There is no evidence that Hepatitis C can be spread through breast milk.

Q: What are the treatments available for Hepatitis C?

A: Interferon and ribavirin are the two drugs used to treat Hepatitis C. Interferon can be given as a stand alone drug or in combination with repairing. The treatment of choice for Hepatitis C is the use of pegylated interferon and ribavirin.

Q: How can I prevent my risk of contracting Hepatitis C?

A: To reduce your risks do not use needles for drug use. If you are an addict then make sure to always use new needles every time and do not share anything that comes into contact with the blood of another person. The method of cleaning with bleach does not work to clean a contaminated needle.

Avoid sharing toothbrushes and razor with anyone. I know a lot of females that when getting ready for say a "girls night out" will notice a little hair they missed and grab their friends razor real quick to shave it off. If you are one of these types , then to protect yourself refrain from doing this anymore.

If you work in the healthcare field use all protective barriers such as latex gloves.

Make sure that you get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B.

When getting any piercing or tattoos done make sure that the needles and all equipment is new. If any equipment has not been sterilized properly you can get Hepatitis C if infected blood is on the equipment.