Hepatitis C Education & Awareness

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What is Hepatitis and Hepatitis C?  Hepatitis Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, autoimmune conditions, reactions to certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and other toxins.  Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is a contagious disease of the liver that ranges from mild, acute illness to a long-term, chronic condition. Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) which is primarily spread through contact with the blood of an infected person.

What is Hepatitis and Hepatitis C? The liver on the left is a healthy liver, while the liver on the right is a liver affected by hepatitis C.

 Acute: Short-term illness that occurs in the first six months after being exposed to HCV. For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection.  Chronic: A long-term illness that is a result of the HCV remaining in a person’s body. HCV infection can last throughout an individual’s life and lead to serious liver problems such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. What is the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Hepatitis C?

What Causes Hepatitis C?  Transmission through contaminated blood Most people today become infected through needle- sharing when injecting drugs. Before widespread screening of the U.S. blood supply for hepatitis C began in 1992, HCV was also spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and other healthcare exposures. HCV can also be transmitted from mother to baby or having sex with an infected person.

What Causes Hepatitis C? Source: CDC

How is Hepatitis C Treated?  Hepatitis C is only treated if it becomes chronic.  Healthcare providers will often treat patients with drugs that slow or stop the virus from further damaging the liver.  Not all people with chronic hepatitis C will benefit from treatment or need it. Each person should discuss treatment options with their doctor or a liver specialist.

Important Statistics on Hepatitis C  The estimated prevalence of HCV in the U.S. is at least 1.6 percent of the population, which equates to approximately 4.1 million people.  Every year, 12,000 people die from HCV-related liver disease.

 The CDC estimates that, although those born during only comprise an estimated 27 percent of the population, they account for approximately three-fourths of all HCV infections in the U.S. and 73 percent of HCV-associated mortality.  HCV is the most common chronic blood-borne infection nationally and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the U.S. Important Statistics on Hepatitis C

Graphic: American Pharmacists Association

Screening Guidelines According to the CDC, persons who should be tested routinely for hepatitis C virus infection based on their risk for infection include: Adults born during 1945 through 1965 Currently injecting-drug users or individuals who have ever injected drugs Recipients of clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987 Individuals on long-term hemodialysis Individuals with persistently abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT)

Screening Guidelines (cont.) Recipients of transfusions or organ transplants before July 1992 or individuals informed that they received blood from a donor who later tested positive for HCV infection Healthcare, emergency medical, and public safety workers after needle-sticks, sharps, or mucosal exposures to HCV- positive blood Children born to HCV-positive women

What Can We Do?  Get screened if appropriate  Do not participate in risky behaviors, such as needle-sharing or unprotected sex Screening

What Can We Do?  Support policies and programs that promote education, awareness, and screening.  Ask the state to dedicate funds to support screening services for individuals at risk.  Attend a town hall meeting and bring a friend.  Visit a health fair.  Identify wellness and prevention programs within your community and share this information.  Participate in local or national hepatitis C awareness campaigns.

WIG Hepatitis C Awareness & Education Toolkit   Provide materials to enhance public awareness and a springboard for legislator action Sample legislation FAQ Sample constituent letter And more!