However, anyone who received a blood transfusion prior to 1992 can be at risk. Other risk factors include people who worked in the medical profession and handled blood, hemodialysis patients, those who have gotten tattoos and body piercing, and those who have engaged in unprotected sexual relations with multiple partners. A significant number of people cannot identify how they contracted the virus. It is not spread by hugging, shaking hands, preparing food or swimming in a pool. The VA will screen veterans, free of charge, who are in the risk categories for the disease and treat those veterans who can benefit from the treatment.
Treatment is usually with interferon, or a combination of interferon and rebetron.
Length of treatment can vary, and results can range from complete remission to partial suppression of the disease process, to no impact at all. As in so many diseases, early detection and treatment gives the best results. A test for Hep C is a blood test that checks for the Hep C antibody. If the test reveals the Hep C antibody, then a second blood test is performed to detect whether the active Hep C virus is present. Visit your county veterans service officer.