WHAT IS HEPATITIS C?
Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is
caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). The virus enters the
liver cells, uses the cell's inner genetic machinery to make
copies of itself, which then infect more cells. There is no
cure. There is a medical treatment that works 50 percent of
the time (genotype/race specific.
HOW IS HEPATITIS C TRANSMITTED?
Hepatitis C is spread from one person
to another by direct exposure to infected blood or blood
products. From the blood of the infected to the bodily fluid
of another. Examples: Eye, cut, open sore, damaged vein,
(inside nose, vagina, anus etc) ...any means to a blood
artery.
This is the only way Hepatitis C is
known to be transmitted. To repeat: Direct exposure to
infected blood to the blood or bodily fluid of the
uninfected.
WHO HAS HEPATITIS C?
According to the Hep C Coalition up to
1 in 15 people in the world carry the virus. (The U.S.
Census Bureau reported a world population of 6.4 Billion in
October 2004). According to the American Liver Association 1
in 50 people in the United States are infected. (The U.S.
Census Bureau reported a U.S. population of almost 300
million in October 2004).
WHY ARE THE NUMBERS SO HIGH?
The quality of life for the Hepatitis C
infected can be unaffected before the first sign of liver
disease bring symptoms. In many cases this can take 20
years. The Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Ga. reports
that for 80 percent of victims there are no signs or
symptoms prior to liver damage.
People carry the Hepatitis C Virus and
do not know it. People transmit the Hepatitis C Virus and do
not know it.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF HEPATITIS C?
Left undetected Hep C can cause
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Cancer of the Liver (Hep C was the
first virus in history to be added to the list of human
carcinogens)
- Liver Failure
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Five years ago Hepatitis C Central predicted for the
United States that in the next 10 to 20 years there will be
a:
- 60 percent increase in the
incidents of cirrhosis of the Liver.
- 68 percent increase in liver
cancer
- 223 percent increase liver death
rate.
- 279 percent increase in liver
failure.
- 528 percent increase in the need
for liver transplants.
It has already begun. Personal
insurance rates in the US are skyrocketing.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Make a difference Be aware: Hep C
is not delegated to only one lifestyle. Hep C does
affect us all. over 5 million people in the US are
victims of this disease. Most fight it silently due to
misunderstood public perception.
- Join or Support a trusted
organization already fighting the fight. Be Careful! Be
sure the organization is acting responsibly. Ask
questions. Do not accept vague answers.
- Stop the silence surrounding this
disease. Openly talk of Hep C to those you care about.
Add your voice to so many organizations trying very hard
to make a difference by raising public awareness.
- GET TESTED and PICK UP YOUR RESULTS:
Out of over 5 Million US victims, over HALF have tested positive but have not retrieved their
results. These truly silent victims are not only living with
the disease but are possibly passing it on. 500 thousand
victims of Hep C have absolutely no idea how or where they
contracted the Hepatitis C Virus.
