How is Hep C transferable?
The hepatitis C virus is usually spread when someone comes into contact with blood from an infected person. This can happen through: ►Sharing drug-injection equipment. Today, most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs.
Who qualifies for Hep C treatment?
With the exception of pregnant women, the World Health Organization recommends treatment be offered to all individuals aged 12 years or older diagnosed with HCV, regardless of their disease stage.
How long can you live without Hep C treatment?
Like the human papillomavirus (HPV), early acute hepatitis C can clear on its own without treatment; this happens about 25% of the time. However, it's more likely that the virus will remain in your body longer than six months, at which point it's considered to be chronic hepatitis C infection.
Is Hep C direct contact?
Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. Learn how to prevent spreading this virus to others. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a contagious infection that can cause serious liver complications. And even if you aren't experiencing symptoms of the infection, you can still spread it to others.
Can your body fight off hep C?
Among those who do have symptoms, the illness is usually so mild that most don't even recognize that they have liver disease. In 15-40% of persons with acute hepatitis C, the immune system successfully fights off the infection, the virus is cleared from the body within 6 months, and the liver heals completely.
Does hep C need to be reported?
Laboratory reporting of HCV infection is required in all states for which acute and chronic hepatitis C is reportable. While case-defining infection markers (e.g., positive HCV RNA tests) are reportable in most jurisdictions, regulations vary regarding which positive indicators within the panel must be reported.
What are the early warning signs of hep C?
Signs and symptoms include:Bleeding easily.Bruising easily.Fatigue.Poor appetite.Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice)Dark-colored urine.Itchy skin.Fluid buildup in your abdomen (ascites)More items...•
What is the life expectancy of someone with hep C?
Most people with chronic HCV can live a normal life, providing that doctors are able to diagnose it before any liver damage or other complications occur.
What kills hep C?
Bleach kills HCV nearly all the time, and there are other cleaners or disinfectants you can use, too, that also work against the virus. Bleach: Bleach has been shown to kill HCV in more than 99% of contaminated syringes.
Can hep C go away and come back?
It's possible, but rare, for hepatitis C infection to reappear after apparently successful treatment. Relapses usually occur in the first few months after blood testing to confirm that the virus is no longer detectable. Sometimes, however, a relapse becomes evident much later.
Do you still test positive for hep C after treatment?
Other things to know: After a successful course of treatment for hepatitis C, the hepatitis C antibody remains detectable, but the hepatitis C RNA will be undetectable. If you plan to donate blood, you will be tested for the hepatitis C antibody and will be turned away even if you do not have an active infection.