How common is Hepatitis C?Hepatitis C is the most serious type of hepatitis. It has only been known about for a few years.
It's nowhere near as common among gay men as Hepatitis A and B. But gay men with HIV are more likely to get it. This can be because of infecting drugs in the past or unprotected sex that involves coming into contact with another man's blood. Having a sexually transmitted disease or HIV, sex with multiple partners, or rough sex appears to increase a person's risk for Hepatitis C. Although only 849 cases of confirmed acute Hepatitis C were reported in the United States in 2007, CDC estimates that approximately 17,000 new Hepatitis C infections occurred that year. What causes Hepatitis C?Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person, primarily through sharing needles, syringes, or other injection drug equipment. Hepatitis C can also be spread through sexual contact, although, scientists do not know how frequently this occurs.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?Very few people notice any symptoms when first infected with Hepatitis C. Even over time symptoms are difficult to spot, and it can take years before you begin to feel ill. But eventually it can cause the same symptoms as Hepatitis A and B. Extreme tiredness, mental confusion and depression can also be symptoms.
Many people with untreated Hepatitis C eventually develop some kind of liver disease, such as liver cancer. You may need a liver transplant. Hepatitis C can be fatal.  Hepatitis |
How is Hepatitis C prevented?There's no vaccine for Hepatitis C. These reduce the risk:
* using a condom for anal sex * using latex gloves for fisting and fingering * avoid sharing toothbrushes and razors with someone you know has the hepatitis C virus * not sharing equipment when injecting drugs How is Hepatitis C treated?Infection is confirmed through a blood test which looks for Hepatitis C antibodies: these can take up to six months to appear in the blood.
Treatment lasts six to 12 months. This is successful for about half of people treated. Hepatitis C may get worse quicker if you have HIV as well. If you have both infections you and your doctor may have to decide which illness needs treating first, as HIV drugs and Hepatitis C infection can both damage the liver. |
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Tests: Find places where you can get free HIV/STD testing in Wake County.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wakegov.com
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wakegov.com
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
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This education awareness project is sponsored by the
LGBT Center of Raleigh. Created and designed by Luke Keeler. |
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