Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to very serious liver disease, liver cancer, and death. Almost four million people in the United States are infected with HCV.
What are are the risks for exposure to hepatitis C virus?- Receipt of blood transfusion or solid organ transplant prior to 1992.
- Intravenous drug or intranasal cocaine use.
- Long-term hemodialysis.
- Receipt of clotting factors made prior to 1987.
- Needle-stick or mucosal exposure to HCV-positive blood.
- Being born to an HCV-infected mother.
- Sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes with an HCV-infected person.
- Many people do not have symptoms from HCV infection until severe liver damage occurs.
- Some people experience flu-like symptoms including fatigue, joint pains, or abdominal discomfort.
- Infection often is discovered when routine physical exams reveal abnormal liver tests.
- A blood test is required to diagnose HCV infection. If you think you have been exposed to HCV, contact your physician.
- There are medications available for treating HCV infection.