Baby Boomers & Hepatitis C DATE HERE 1

Did you know? 2

A serious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis C virus. Called the “silent epidemic” because many people go decades without knowing they have hepatitis C. 20% of people infected with hepatitis C will clear it on their own. The other 80% will go on to develop chronic hepatitis C which can lead to serious liver problems such as liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. The good news is Hepatitis C is curable! Hepatitis C Overview 3

Born between ? Everyone can get hepatitis C but up to 75% of adults currently living with hepatitis C were born between – Baby boomers are 5 times more likely to have hepatitis C – The longer hepatitis C goes undiagnosed and treated the more likely people are to develop serious liver disease – Liver disease, liver cancer and deaths are on the rise – Getting a one time test can help people learn if they are infected and need to seek treatment 4

Why baby boomers? Prior to 1992 blood wasn’t screened for hepatitis C Vaccinations and people in the military were exposed through unclean medical practices Glass syringes and dental hygiene tools Shared equipment during substance use and injection drug use 5

How is hepatitis C transmitted? Transmitted through blood. Can live in dry blood on a surface for 7 days and inside of a syringe for up to 66 days Sharing any equipment used for substance use (straws, pipes, spoons, water, injection equipment) 6

Razors, tooth brushes, dental hygiene tools Very low chance of transmitting through sex Mother to child transmission 7 How is hepatitis C transmitted?

Symptoms 8

Testing Blood test (Antibody test) Two possible antibody test results – Non reactive or negative: You do not have hepatitis C or you may have been very recently exposed (previous 1-2 weeks) – Reactive or positive: hepatitis C antibodies were found BUT a RNA confirmation blood test is needed to know whether or not you’ve cured yourself. – You will always carry hepatitis C antibodies even if cured 9

Treatment 10

Living with Chronic Hepatitis C 11

Extrahepatic Manifestations These are conditions caused by the hepatitis C virus and are frequently seen in people with hepatitis C. Examples include: – Arthritis – Cardiovascular Disease – Cognitive Dysfunction – Depression – Diabetes Type 2 – Fatigue – Fibromyalgia – Head & Neck Cancers – Insulin Resistance – Kidney Issues 12

Healthy Tips Drink plenty of water Avoid alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs. If you cannot quit then cut back as much as possible Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep Try to be physically active (30 minutes of walking each day) Join a hepatitis C education or support group – We have one! 13

Questions? 14

References and Resources