Hepatitis C
IV drug use is one of the main vectors for the spread of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It has been estimated that over 90% of IV drug users have been exposed to or have contracted the hepatitis C virus while using drugs intravenously.
Individuals infected with HCV are often identified because they are found to have elevated liver enzymes on a routine blood test or because a hepatitis C antibody is found to be positive at the time of blood donation. It is estimated that 85% of people infected with the hepatitis C virus will develop chronic hepatitis.
Persons at HIGH Risk
- Those receiving blood transfusions
- IV drug users
- Healthcare workers
- Persons with multiple sex partners
The risk of post transfusion hepatitis C has been reduced over the
last several years
to less than one half of one percent. The Center for Disease Control
states that the risk for exposure via sexual contact is rare for individuals
having only one long-term sexual partner.
Possible Signs and Symptoms
- Low-grade fever
- Anorexia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headache
- Cough
- Dark urine
- Clay colored stools
Treatment
It is possible to be treated with medication and relapse after medication is discontinued. Chronic hepatitis C appears to be a slowly progressive disease which may advance over a period of 10-40 years. The disease may progress faster when acquired in middle age or older. Hepatitis C may be particularly severe if it occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. Hepatitis C can be treated with medication. Interferon, the primary drug used for treatment of hepatitis C, has resulted in persons showing major improvement or normalization of liver tests. Patients sometimes relapse, requiring treatment with Interferon a second time.
If you have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C in the past, please report this to your counselor and the medical department at Private Clinic North. If you have not been diagnosed with Hepatitis C but are concerned due to being at high risk or having symptoms of the disease, please feel free to discuss this with your counselor or a member of the medical staff at Private Clinic North.
