Hepatitis C
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver. The term hepatitis means liver inflammation. It is caused
by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and it is considered a contagious disease. It is also considered a
blood-borne infection.
Over four million Americans have been infected with HCV, with well over 30,000 new diagnoses in
the United States each year. Many people who are at risk for hepatitis C are at risk for hepatitis
A and hepatitis B. Anyone diagnosed with hepatitis C should check with their doctor to see if they
should get hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.
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Symptoms and treatment options for HCV
Living successfully with hepatitis C. -
Contracting HCV (hepatitis C virus)
Blood transfusions (pre-1992) and other risk groups.
- Hepatitis C is not spread through sneezing, coughing, kissing, hugging, food or water, or casual contact.
- Monogomous sexual partners (one with hepatitis C) are considered at low risk to spread the virus to their partner.
- Mothers born to women with HCV are also considered at low risk to be infected with the virus.
