Transmission of the virus by sexual contact is rare. At least half of HCV patients develop chronic hepatitis C infection. Diagnosis is by blood test. Treatment is via anti-viral drugs. Chronic hepatitis C may be treated with interferon, sometimes in combination with anti-virals.
Transmission is via infected blood, needles, or sexual contact with an infected person.
Symptoms are identical to those of hepatitis B. Chronic infection with HDV is currently treated with interferon, although it is not very successful. There is no vaccine or treatment for hepatitis G, although anti-viral drugs may be tried. It s important to remember that piercing parlors may have clean needles, but the people doing the piercings are not licensed and they are not trained medical personnel. Dr. Gustafson understands that most tongue piercings are uneventful. However, one of his dental journals describes the case of a young man who had a serious heart condition that was further complicated by an infection resulting from having his tongue pierced.