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Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that attacks the liver. In 85% of all cases, the infection will last a lifetime and puts the person at risk for developing cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, and even death.

Vietnam Veterans are an especially high risk group for having hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C kills 8,000-10,000 each year. Many people (estimated 4 million persons) don't know they have disease because there are no symtoms at first, during which time the disease can slowly progress to cirrhosis over many years.

Vaccines exist for hepatitis A & B, but not for hepatitis C. Fortunately, new treatments for hepatitis C do exist.


 

Are YOU at Risk
for Hepatitis C?

Answer these questions - - >

  • In your military service, have you ever been in a situation in which you have had exposure to someone else's blood through contact with a bleeding wound., through needlestick injury or in any other way?
  • Did you serve in Vietnam?
  • Did you have a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992?
  • Have you ever, EVEN ONCE, injected drugs?
  • Have you ever, EVEN ONCE, snorted or inhaled cocaine using a straw or bill?
  • Have you ever had unprotected sex with multiple partners?* Do you have a history of sexually transmitted disease?
  • Have you ever had a tattoo or part of you body pierced?
  • Have you ever had acupuncture?
  • Have you ever had hemodialysis?
  • Were you born to an HCV-infected mother?
  • Have you received, before 1992, blood products for clotting problems?
  • Have you ever had an abnormal liver function test?

*Studies show the risk of getting hepatitis C through unprotected sex is low, if you don't have multiple sex partners or you don't have a sexually transmitted disease. You can't get or give hepatitis C through everyday contact like hugging or kissing.

- - >

 

If you answered YES to any of the questions you need to get a simple blood test for hepatitis C.

Visit your nearest VA medical center or doctor immediately.

For more information on hepatitis C contact:

Department of Veterans Affairs at va.gov/hepatitisc

Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis

American Liver Foundation liverfoundation.org



The information contained here was excerpted from a brochure provided from the American Liver Foundation. This information does not constitute medical advice and is for informational purposes only.

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