Hepatitis C

Alternate Names : Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Because the hepatitis C virus mutates or changes frequently, a vaccine is currently not available. This is also the reason that injection of immunoglobulin provides no immunity or protection either. Avoiding high-risk behaviors and screening blood and organ donor supplies play a big role in prevention of this disease. Sharing personal hygiene items and material potentially contaminated with blood is clearly risky. Practicing safer sex can help prevent sexual transmission.

Even when hepatitis C is diagnosed early, it is difficult to keep it from progressing to chronic liver disease. It is important to avoid unnecessary drugs, especially alcohol .

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Chronic hepatitis C occurs in at least 60% to 70% of the people who develop acute hepatitis C. Individuals with moderate chronic active hepatitis C have roughly a 50% chance of developing severe liver disease. Severe chronic active hepatitis has a high likelihood of progressing to cirrhosis over several years to several decades. People with cirrhosis may develop liver cancer and die from either of these two diseases.

What are the risks to others?

Hepatitis C is highly contagious and can be spread from person to person by blood products, sexual contact, and sharing personal items.