Hep C Myth
THE MYTH: If you don't have any symptoms, you don't have a sexually transmitted disease/sexually transmitted infection (STD/STI).
THE REALITY: Many STDs are asymptomatic meaning without symptoms. Serious damage is being done to a woman's reproductive organs whether she has symptoms or not. The only way to know for sure if you are infected is to be tested. If you suspect you have a sexually transmitted infection or if your sexual partner has symptoms, you can go to your doctor or health department for testing. Talk with a knowledgeable health care provider or counselor before and after you are tested.
The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
Hepatitis C
Basic Facts
In 2006 there were 586 new hepatitis C cases reported in Wyoming.
About 4.1 million Americans have been infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), of whom 3.2 million are chronically infected.
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which attacks and injures the liver.
80% of people with hepatitis C have no signs or symptoms.
Chronic hepatitis C is now the most common reason for liver transplantation and in the US the leading cause for developing liver cancer.
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, and mild nausea and vomiting.
Hepatitis C is a blood borne pathogen. Transmission occurs when blood from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person.
Although there are vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C (HCV).
Risk Factors
Injection drug users- even injection drug use in the distant past.
People with multiple sex partners or sex with partners who have other sexually transmitted diseases.
Those with tattoos or body piercing done with non-sterile instruments.
Anyone who has had a blood transfusion prior to 1992 or clotting factors produced before 1987.
Hemodialysis patients.
Infected mothers to newborn (about 4% transmission risk.)
Prevention
Avoid handling anything that may have an infected person’s blood on it; such as razors, scissors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or files, tampons or sanitary napkins, etc.
Do not shoot drugs; if you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program; if you can’t stop, never share “works” (needles, syringes, water, etc.) or any other drug paraphernalia.
Practice safe sex (use latex condoms).
Notify your physician and dentist that you have hepatitis.
If you are a health care or public safety worker, always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps.
Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
If you are HCV positive, do not donate blood, organs, or tissue.
