What is it? Hep C is a contagious liver disease. It can be transmitted sexually, but is most often transmitted through contaminated needles.
How common is it? An estimated 3.2 million persons are chronically infected with HCV in the United States. There are an estimated 17,000 new Hepatitis C virus infections each year.
What are the symptoms? Most HPV infections have no symptoms. Some people may experience illness like fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain and jaundice, a yellow color to the skin and eyes.
How do you get it? Hepatitis C is spread when infected blood enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most infections occur through sharing needles or other drug equipment. It can be transmitted sexually, but the risk is not high.
How do you treat it? There is no medication for acute Hep C. People with Hep C should be monitored carefully for liver disease and there are several medicines available for treatment.
What are the consequences if left untreated? Chronic Hepatitis C can result in long-term health problems, including liver damage, liver failure, liver cancer, or even death.
Get Yourself Tested Anyone who has had sex may be at risk for an STD.
Can it be prevented? There is currently no vaccine for Hep C. Risk of the getting Hep C is cut by not injecting drugs, and using condoms every time if you have sex.