Hepatitis C Quiz

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Hepatitis C: Key Facts and Information

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, which can lead to serious liver damage. Understanding the virus, its transmission, and treatment options is crucial for public health and individual well-being. This quiz covers essential topics related to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute HCV infection occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the virus. For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection, which can last a lifetime if left untreated and may result in cirrhosis and liver cancer.

How is Hepatitis C Transmitted?

HCV is a bloodborne virus. The most common mode of transmission is through exposure to small quantities of infected blood. Key risk factors include:

Injecting drugs and sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-preparation equipment.
Receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began.
Getting tattoos or body piercings in an unregulated setting with non-sterile equipment.
Healthcare exposures, such as needlestick injuries.
Being born to a mother with Hepatitis C.

HCV is not typically spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing, or sharing food and drinks.

Hepatitis C is Curable! If you think you might be at risk, talk to your doctor about getting tested. Early diagnosis and modern treatments can prevent serious long-term liver damage.

Symptoms and Screening

Many people with chronic Hepatitis C do not have symptoms and do not feel sick. When symptoms do appear, they can be a sign of advanced liver disease. This is why screening is so important. The CDC recommends universal screening for all adults aged 18 and older at least once in their lifetime, and for all pregnant women during each pregnancy.

Treatment for Hepatitis C

Treatment has been revolutionized by Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs). These oral medications are taken for 8-12 weeks and have a cure rate of over 95%. They have far fewer side effects than older, interferon-based treatments. Curing Hepatitis C helps prevent complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Preventing Hepatitis C

Since there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, prevention focuses on avoiding exposure to infected blood. Key prevention strategies include:

Never sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs.
Using sterile equipment for tattoos and piercings from licensed professionals.
Following universal precautions in healthcare settings.
Not sharing personal items that might have blood on them, like razors or toothbrushes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatitis C

What’s the difference between Hepatitis A, B, and C?

They are all viral infections that affect the liver, but they are caused by different viruses. Hepatitis A is usually a short-term infection and is spread through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic and is spread through blood and body fluids. There are effective vaccines for both Hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis C is spread primarily through blood and is the most likely of the three to become a chronic infection. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.

Can you get Hepatitis C more than once?

Yes. Clearing the virus, either spontaneously or through treatment, does not provide immunity against future infections. A person can be reinfected if they are exposed to the virus again.

How long can the Hepatitis C virus live outside the body?

Studies have shown that HCV can survive on environmental surfaces at room temperature for up to several weeks. This highlights the importance of not sharing any equipment that may have come into contact with blood.

Is it safe to get pregnant if I have Hepatitis C?

Women with Hepatitis C can have healthy pregnancies. The risk of transmitting the virus to the baby is about 5-6%. It is recommended to discuss pregnancy plans with a healthcare provider. The CDC recommends all pregnant people get tested for Hepatitis C during each pregnancy.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.