The LIGHT Center, T-90, College of the Redwoods (476-4290) - February 20, 2000

I know what you’re thinking…There is no "F" in the Canadian alphabet. Wrong. The letters above denote the various strains of the Hepatitis virus, all of which vary in their severity and characteristics. One of the more devastating strains is Hepatitis C, which can lead to significant and permanent liver damage. In the initial stages of this infection, there are often no symptoms. Even years after the initial infection, fatigue is the most common symptom. Muscle and joint aches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, vague abdominal pain and diarrhea can also be present. Because of the nature of the symptoms, sufferers often think they simply have the flu.

Unfortunately, the symptoms become more unpleasant as the infection progresses. With time, damage to the liver can result in cirrhosis and liver failure, jaundice, abdominal swelling due to fluid retention, and eventually, coma. It can take as long as 20 years from the time of infection to the point at which serious liver damage is present.

The numbers estimating the incidence of Hepatitis C are staggering. It is suggested that approximately 4.5 million Americans are infected with the virus. Worldwide, suggestions of 200 million being infected are considered reasonably accurate. In fact, Hepatitis C coupled with the less common Hepatitis B now accounts for 75% of all cases of liver disease around the world. Moreover, liver failure due to Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States. This is a burden on the health care system as well as the workforce. It is estimated that the lifetime health care costs for patients with Hepatitis who don’t receive a liver transplant is $100,000. For the 4.5 million around the country, the health care bill exceeds $400 billion.

Hepatitis C is somewhat selective in the people it infects. There does seem to be some preference for particular ethnic groups, as well as a preference for those in the lower socio-economic groups. Risk groups also include those in health care, military veterans, intravenous drug users, prisoners, and alcoholics. While the reason for the link to those with alcohol dependence is unclear, statistics suggest that the infection rate in some prisons around the country exceeds 80% of the inmate population.

So, how does one become infected? There are many ways this can occur.

• Blood transfusions- Prior to 1990, this accounted for 10% of all cases of Hepatitis C. Since blood screening, it is a much less likely cause.
• I.V. drug use
• Tattooing and body piercing
• Unbandaged cuts or injuries
• Shared razors, toothbrushes
• Heterosexual or homosexual activity with multiple partners without protection.

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-Eleanor Roosevelt-

There are ways of protecting yourself and others from contracting Hepatitis C.

• Wear gloves and use caution if touching or cleaning up blood on personal items, tissues etc.

• Clean up any spilled blood with a strong disinfectant.

• Keep cuts or injuries bandaged.

• Don’t share razors, toothbrushes, pierced earrings or any other personal items with others.

• Use condoms if having sex with multiple partners, or with an infected partner.

• Don’t share chewing gum.

• Don’t "pre-chew" food for a baby.

• Make certain that any needles or sharp instruments for drugs, body or ear piercing, manicuring or tattooing are properly sterilized.

• Remember that blood products may not be tested for hepatitis C if you are outside North America or Europe.

If one is already infected, there are some treatments. Interferon alpha is used, and leads to sustained viral clearance in about 15% of patients. Interferon used with ribavirin can lead to up to 30% of patients finding relief. However, as many as 70% of those with the virus don’t respond to treatment.

Comments? mailto:trish-blair@redwoods.edu