What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis means "inflammation of the liver" Hepatitis can be caused by anything that inflames or damages the liver, but hepatitis c is caused by a virus.
Hepatitis C is known as the 'Silent Killer' because a person can be infected and not have any symptoms.
Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver. It is contracted through tainted blood products. Hepatitis C can injure and scar the liver.
How does a person get Hep C?
Receiving a transfusion of blood or blood products before 1992
Sharing needles to inject drugs
Receiving a tattoo with an unsterilized needle
Having an ear or body part pierced with an unsterilized needle
Receiving accupunture or electrolysis with an unsterilized needle
Sharing a straw to snort drugs. Small amounts of blood on the straw may spread the virus.
Accidental sticks with used needles or other accidental exposure to blood. This is a concern for health care workers
Sharing sharp instruments that may cause a cut and draw blood, such as razors, nail clippers, scissors or toothbrushes
Having unprotected sex. The risk is higher in people with multiple sexual partners or in homosexual males. Sexual acts that can injure body tissues and allow contact with infected blood increase the risk of the virus being spread.
A baby born to a mother with hepatitis C virus may be infected.
If you think you have had any of these risk factors, contact your physician and ask to be tested for hepatitis C. Do not assume that just because you have had labwork done, that you have been tested for hepatitis. This test has to be asked for specifically.
If you have questions please contact us.
216-965-1440
Won't you please consider sending us a tax-free donation so that we can continue to eduate and advocate for hepatitis C? We are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) faith-based organization.
Our email address is revallen@innercitysupport forhepatitisc.org
Phone # 216-965-1440
Mailing address: Ohio Inner-city Support for Hepatitis C
P.O.Box 200466
Cleveland, Ohio
44120
