The All-Volunteer Northeastern Pennsylvania Transplant Support Group Inc. NEPATSG Hepatitis Division What is Hepatitis C? Who Gets Hepatitis C? What are the symptoms? What should I do? Is Hepatitis C Contagious? More Facts 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. Return to Top of page. 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! Return to Top of page. 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 Return to Top of page. 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. Return to Top of page. 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.

NEPATSG Hepatitis Division RD #8, Box 8585M East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18302-9482 866-869-1211 (Toll Free) Email: office@nepatsg.org The NEPATSG's Hepatitis Division is supported through private and public donation, grants and memberships. Your tax-deductible contributions are needed to support our many educational programs, so we may help you, and your family to have a better understanding of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).  Join the Hepatitis Division (PDF) Download our Newsletter  Hepatitis Times - Spring 2003 (PDF 88k) Get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print our newsletter and membership form. This site is designed and maintained by Pocono Web Design LLC