What the Rubberman Wrote – January 2016
by Michael Harney –
This month, let’s discuss the Hepatitis C viruses.
There are many illnesses that can cause the liver to be inflamed; but what we are talking about here specifically is Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
A, B, and C are the most common Hepatitis strains prevalent in the United States; and there are vaccines against Hepatitis A and B – but not C.
Hepatitis C ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks, to a serious lifelong illness that attacks the liver. The Hepatitis C virus (HCV), is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person.
Three to five million people in the U. S. are thought to have Hepatitis C (HCV), and approximately three-quarters of them were born between 1945 and 1965. That’s more than three times as many as have HIV. Some had organ transplants or blood transfusions prior to 1992, before screening tests became readily available.
However, since that time, Hepatitis C transmissions are due to people sharing needles/syringes, and/or items like razors and toothbrushes; which transmit the contagious Hepatitis C blood-borne pathogen from one person to another. It is essential and a good practice to NOT share “works,” or personal hygiene product (including makeup products) with anyone.
About 25% of people with HIV are also co-infected with the Hepatitis C virus, especially those who have shared drug injecting, or Hep-C/HIV infected equipment. Fewer HCV infections are sexually transmitted, although you should keep in mind that Hepatitis C is a blood-borne pathogen. Using barrier protection methods, and practicing safe sex are a necessary measure.
Protecting your liver is essential, especially to avoid further damage if you already have Hepatitis C. Minimizing consumption of alcohol is first and foremost and – like it or not – drinking plenty of water, eating less greasy/fatty food, and exercising are beneficial.
New treatments are curing people at rates of 90% or better, most often within 12 weeks with minimal side effects. Though the price is a shocking ($80,000+), some insurance plans pay under the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare), which covers “pre-existing” conditions, and the manufacturers of these curative medicines have Patient Assistance Programs. Patients and doctors report success with persistence, so don’t give up!
Start the year off right; get tested for HCV if you don’t know your status. Contact your doctor, health department, or the WNC AIDS Project (WNCAP) for an appointment. And get treated if you already have a confirmed case of HCV.
For additional details, visit these websites:
www.cdc.gov/hepatitis
www.hcvadvocate.org
www.aids.gov/news-and-events/hepatitis
www.hcvguidelines.org
www.fairpricingcoalition.org/projects
Michael Harney is a prevention educator with WNCAP. For more information, call (828) 252-7489, and visit www.wncap.org.
