Shared or reused needles may transmit the virus to I.V. drug users. Activities such as body piercing, tattooing, sharing razors, etc. also put individuals at risk. Healthcare workers or laboratory technicians who may come into contact with infected blood are at risk of contracting the virus.

The risk for transmission in a monogamous relationship is low, however if a person has multiple sex partners there is an increased risk of contracting Hepatitis C. The use of latex condoms is recommended to people having multiple sexual partners.

Preventing Transmission
Always use universal precautions. DO NOT share needles, toothbrushes, razors, or any other items that could potentially have blood on them.

If getting a tattoo or body piercing, ensure that the equipment was sterile or preferably new, before beginning.

Symptoms
Acute Hepatitis C may be subtle and feel only like a prolonged “cold” or may cause jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and severe fatigue. 15-25% of persons seem to resolve their infection with any long term injury, but most develop chronic hepatitis. Chronic Hepatitis C is a slowly progressive disease that may gradually advance over 10 to 40 years. There are often no signs of infection, but symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, and aching joints. It may also manifest signs of liver failure: abdominal swelling and jaundice.

Who Should Be Tested for Hepatitis C?

• Anyone who had blood transfusions or organ transplants before July 1992.
• Anyone who has received a blood product for clotting problems before 1987.
• Anyone who has ever been on long-term kidney dialysis.
• Anyone who has frequent exposure to blood products such as those with chronic renal failure, hemophilia, chronic bleeding, certain types of cancer, etc.
• Anyone with persistently abnormal Alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT, SGPT).
• Health care workers after needle sticks, sharps or mucosal exposures to HCV-positive blood.
• IV drug users or former users including those who injected once or a few times may years ago and do not consider themselves as drug users.

Treatment
There is moderately effective treatment for Hepatitis C, so inquire with your physician about various alternatives.