How does hepatitis affect the body? - Hepatitis - Sharecare How does hepatitis affect the body? Topics | Infectious Disease | Hepatitis | How does hepatitis affect the body? A Answers (1) A Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. An inflamed liver can affect people in different ways, causing a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Hepatitis A rarely has long-term effects on the body. People with hepatitis A, B, or C may not have early symptoms. However, chronic hepatitis C is the more severe of the hepatitis viruses and a leading cause of liver cancer. Hepatitis can affect the liver's bile production, causing a buildup of yellow-green pigment in the bloodstream, which causes a yellowing of the skin and/or eyes. Helpful? 3 people found this helpful. This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Videos (6) 7 What is hepatitis and what organ is affected - HUMAN BIOL - 108 7 what is hepatitis and what organ is affected SCHOOL View Full Document 7. What is hepatitis and what organ is affected? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis. There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. If any type of hepatitis is diagnosed, one should get tested for liver disease which determines if the hepatitis virus has caused any or major damage on your liver. My mother was infected with Hep C in the early 70’s from a blood transfusion.  Interferon is awful! 8. What are the functions of the large intestine? The major function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter and transmit the useless waste material from the body.

Other functions are … Absorption of vitamins, reducing acidity and protecting from infections, producing antibodies 9. In general, what are essential amino acids? Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life. When proteins are digested or broken down, amino acids are left. The human body uses amino acids to make proteins to help the body: Break down food, Grow, Repair body tissue, A Perform many other body functions. Amino acids can also be used as a source of energy by the body. Amino acids are classified into three groups: Essential amino acids, Nonessential amino acids, & Conditional amino acids This preview has intentionally blurred sections. Sign up to view the full version. Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body. As a result, they must come from food. The 9 essential This is the end of the preview. Sign up to access the rest of the document. TERM HUMAN BIOL 108 - Fall 2015 Christine Burrows - BIOL 108 - Worksheet 6 1. What is a karyotype?

A karyotype is an CMB Worksheet6 Effects of Hepatitis C on the Body Musty Mouth Skin and Eyes Hepatitis C is a viral disease that primarily causes inflammation of the liver, but the effects can be felt throughout the body. The Effects of Hepatitis C on the Body Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that is passed through contact with the blood of an infected person. The infection leads to inflammation of the liver. The liver processes blood and filter toxins so they don’t cause damage to your body. The liver also produces bile, which helps you to digest food and stores glucose and vitamins. Inflammation makes it difficult for the liver to perform these vital functions. In time, the hepatitis C infection can affect the entire body. Early symptoms, including yellowing skin and fatigue, may be mild and easily dismissed. Chronic infection can cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). As the disease progresses, symptoms such as skin problems, blood disorders, and fever may appear. In the long term, hepatitis C can lead to severe liver damage, liver cancer, and liver failure. Early treatment can help delay or prevent serious damage. Digestive System A healthy liver performs many functions that are crucial to your health.

The liver is responsible for producing bile, a substance needed to break down fats. The body stores bile in the gallbladder, then sends it to the beginning section of the small intestine (duodenum). Bile is then combined with stomach acids and digestive fluids from the pancreas, which help the intestines absorb nutrients into the bloodstream. Hepatitis C can severely hinder the liver’s ability to produce bile. Inflammation of the gallbladder can make it painful to digest fatty foods. Therefore, people with hepatitis C may feel some pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen. This may be due to a build-up of fluid in the stomach (ascites). This occurs when the damaged liver doesn’t produce enough albumin, a substance that regulates the amount of fluid in cells. Other digestive symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Stool may become pale or clay-colored, and urine may darken. Central Nervous System When the liver doesn’t filter toxins from the blood, they can damage the central nervous system (hepatic encephalopathy). This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including sweet or musty breath, weakening of small motor skills, and sleep disturbances.

Dry eyes and mouth are sometimes associated with hepatitis C. A build-up of toxins in the brain can cause confusion, forgetfulness, poor concentration, and personality changes. Advanced symptoms include abnormal shaking, agitation, disorientation, and slurred speech. Severe cases may cause coma. Circulatory System The liver filters toxins out of your bloodstream. It also produces proteins needed for healthy blood and helps to regulate blood clotting. A poorly functioning liver can create blood flow problems and increase pressure in the vein that leads to the liver (portal vein). This can cause portal hypertension, which may force blood to find an alternate vein. The vein can burst if it’s too small, causing serious internal bleeding (variceal bleeding). A poorly functioning liver is unable to properly extract iron from the blood and store it for later use. This can result in anemia. A healthy liver also helps convert sugars into glucose and store it for energy. Too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Blood tests can reveal the presence of hepatitis C antibodies in the bloodstream. If you have antibodies, it means you’ve been exposed to the virus. In most cases, a second blood test is used to confirm a hepatitis C diagnosis.

Skin, Hair, and Nails (Integumentary System) A protein molecule called hemoglobin is found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin transports oxygen and iron to cells throughout the body. Iron is crucial in sustaining cells that make up healthy skin, fingernails, toenails, and hair. Bilirubin is another important substance in hemoglobin. When the liver can’t do its job, bilirubin can build up and cause your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn yellow (jaundice). Endocrine and Immune Systems The endocrine system regulates hormones. As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland delivers hormones into the bloodstream. Sometimes hepatitis C can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack or damage thyroid tissue. This can cause an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which can lead to sleep disorders and weight loss. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can make you feel sluggish. According to The Hepatitis Trust , this is more common in women than in men. Overall Health Many people infected with hepatitis C have no symptoms, especially in the earliest stages. Some report general fatigue, fever, or non-specific aches and pains.

Recommended for You What body organ does hepatitis be effect-Disease Questions answered Home > Disease > What body organ does hepatitis be effect Health related question in topics Conditions Illness .We found some answers as below for this question "What body organ does hepatitis be effect",you can compare them. Hepatitis B is a serious disease that affects the liver. It can cause loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, tiredness & jaundice. [ Source: ] More Answers to "What body organ does hepatitis be effect" What body organ does hepatitis be effect Hepatitis B is a serious disease that affects the liver. It can cause loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, tiredness & jaundice. What body organ is most affected by hepatitis b and c?? The liver. Most things "hepa-" are related to the liver. Which organ of the human body does hepatitis affect?? Liver. If ignored it can in turn put pressure on your kidney and gastric system. Related Questions Answered on Y!Answers STD questions!! help please i hate reading and learning about this stuff XD lol? Q: Genital Herpes1.How is genital herpes transmitted?2. Some people are infected with the herpes virus, but have no symptoms of the disease.True/False3.

There is no cure for genital herpes, but it can be treated by:4.Symptoms of genital herpes include:5.Complications from genital herpes include:Gonorrhea6.Gonorrhea can be passed from the mother to her baby resulting in blindness and life-threatening blood infection in the baby? True or False7.In men, there are no symptoms or side effects if Gonorrhea is contracted. True or False8.Which female reproductive organs may be affected if Gonorrhea is transmitted to a woman? 9.Symptoms of Gonorrhea will always appear within men during the first 7-10 days after exposure to the Neisseria gonorrheae bacterium? True or False10.Symptoms of gonorrheal infection include: 11.Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that has no cure. Once a person has been infected, he/she will always have Gonorrhea and can pass it to another person. True or False.12.In women, Gonorrhea is a common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). What are symptoms of PID? Hepatitis C (HCV)13.

Hepatitis may be transmitted when a person has had a blood transfusion and/or ever injected street drugs. True or False14. It is possible to have chronic Hepatitis C and not feel sick. True or False15. The part of the body most impacted by Hepatitis C is: 16. There is currently a treatment for babies born with Hepatitis C. True or False17. What are ways to prevent contraction of Hepatitis C: 18. Having unprotected sex with a Hepatitis C infected partner, may put you at risk for contracting HCV. True or False19. What are 4 symptoms related to Hepatitis C? a.b.c.d.20. How would going to a tattoo artist put a person at risk for contracting Hepatitis C?21. There is a treatment and a cure for Hepatitis C. True or False22. Over time HCV may lead to cirrhosis of the liver. True or FalseHuman Papillomavirus (HPV)23. HPV is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection. True or False24. Symptoms of HPV include:25. High-risk HPV can lead to:26.

There is no treatment for HPV, although it usually goes away on its own. True or False27. Someone can have HPV for years without knowing they are infected. True or FalseSyphilis28. Syphilis is transmitted when a person has oral, anal, or vaginal sex and comes in contact with a chancre (syphilis sore)? True or False29. The incubation period for Syphilis is:30. If the person is in Primary Syphilis he/she will USUALLY have what symptom(s)?31. During Latent Syphilis an infected person will show many symptoms including flu-like symptoms. True or False32. The long term health consequences during Latent Syphilis include damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, and heart. True or False33. The cure for Syphilis is:34. During pregnancy the syphilis bacterium can infect the unborn baby depending upon how long she has been infected. How does this affect the unborn baby?35. Syphilis has symptoms which look like many other diseases. Because of this Syphilis is often called: A: Gee, why don't you try doing your own homework.

How does hepatitis B affect the body? - Hepatitis - Sharecare How does hepatitis B affect the body? Topics | Infectious Disease | Hepatitis | How does hepatitis B affect the body? A Answers (1) A Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered Chronic hepatitis B affects the health of the liver, causing long-term inflammation (more than six months) of the liver. Symptoms can subside; however, chronic inflammation can lead to liver failure or liver cancer. In some cases of chronic hepatitis B, patients may need antiviral medications to lessen the effect of the infection of the liver. In severe cases, end-stage liver disease occurs, and a liver transplant may be needed. Hepatitis | Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Hepatitis D (HDV), a virus that only affects people with hepatitis B. Hepatitis E (HEV), which is similar to hepatitis A and rare in the United States. Causes and Risk Factors The hepatitis viruses are transmitted from person to person in different ways: Hepatitis A (HAV) is spread by ingesting even microscopic amounts of feces from an infected person. This can happen through close personal contact or infected food or water.

Raw shellfish that has been contaminated by sewage is a common source of infection. Hepatitis B (HBV) is transmitted through contact with the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, vaginal fluid and semen. In the United States, about two-thirds of new adult cases are sexually transmitted. The virus can also be passed from mother to baby during birth. Hepatitis C (HDV) is usually spread by contact with infected needles (either during IV drug use or accidental needle sticks) or during childbirth. It's also sometimes transmitted during sexual contact or by sharing personal hygiene products like shaving razors. Symptoms Not all people with hepatitis experience symptoms, and many people with the disease don't realize they're infected. When present, symptoms include: Fever Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Diagnosis and Treatment If you think you've been exposed to viral hepatitis, seek immediate medical attention. In some cases, your doctor may recommend vaccination or injections of immune globulin (a product containing antibodies made from human blood plasma) to prevent or halt infection. Hepatitis is diagnosed based on your history and a blood test (or series of tests). Acute infection may last weeks to months.

Some people with acute hepatitis need to be hospitalized, but many can remain at home. Self-care for hepatitis includes: Stay hydrated. Eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Choose high-calorie foods if your appetite is poor. To protect the liver, avoid alcohol and check with a healthcare professional before taking medications or supplements. In addition, some people with acute hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis benefit from medications. People with chronic hepatitis should be monitored regularly by a healthcare provider who understands the condition. To protect the liver, patients should avoid alcohol and check with their provider before taking medications or supplements. Prognoses (long-term outcomes) vary depending on the form of hepatitis: Most people with hepatitis A recover fully within two to six months. Some people with hepatitis B develop chronic hepatitis. Risk ranges from about 90 percent in infants to 6–10 percent in older children and adults. About 15–25 percent of people with chronic hepatitis B go on to develop serious complications. About 75–85 percent of people with hepatitis C develop chronic hepatitis.

Of these, 60-70 percent develop chronic liver disease; 5–20 percent eventually develop cirrhosis; and 1–5 percent die from cirrhosis or liver cancer. In addition, people with hepatitis C are at risk for serious illness if they later develop hepatitis A or B. Prevention There are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of viral hepatitis: Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you weren't vaccinated as a child. This is the number one way to prevent these illnesses. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a baby's diaper and before handling food. When traveling in developing countries, avoid unpeeled or raw foods. Drink only bottled, boiled or chemically treated water. Practice safe sex. Hepatitis B is about 50–100 times more transmissible during sex than HIV . Condoms and other barrier methods greatly reduce the risk. Never share syringes, shaving razors, toothbrushes or tattooing or piercing supplies. Wear gloves when performing first aid. Disinfect blood spills (including dried ones) with diluted bleach and wear gloves during cleanup. Follow all occupational safety precautions in your workplace.

If you are pregnant, seek early and regular prenatal care. To reduce the risk of non-viral hepatitis, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and consult with a healthcare professional about medications and supplements. Sources Bloodborne Pathogens | Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management | Appalachian State University Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management The Appalachian State University campus is currently operating under NORMAL conditions. Bloodborne Pathogens This Fact Sheet is intended to inform Appalachian employees about bloodborne pathogens issues confronting us here in the workplace. For more information about non-workplace bloodborne pathogens exposures, contact the University Exposure Control Officer , a medical provider, your county health department, or one of the many resources now available on the internet. Whom Do I Contact if I Need More Information? What are Bloodborne Pathogens? Bloodborne Pathogens, or BBP, are disease-causing organisms that are present in human blood. The BBP we are most commonly concerned about in the U.S. are Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). BBP can be present in many human body fluids as well as in products derived from human blood (such as plasma).

From a practical standpoint, you may find it easier to remember the human body fluids that do not contain BBP: these are nasal secretions, sputum, saliva (unless from a dental procedure), vomit, urine, feces and cerumen. These body fluids are not assumed to be potentially infective unless they contain visible blood or it is difficult or impossible to distinguish these from other body fluids. Of course, some of these body fluids can cause other, non-bloodborne diseases, so it is best to treat them in much the same way as you would body fluids that do contain BBP. Hepatitis A (which is the cause of "outbreaks" of hepatitis at schools, restaurants, etc) is not a BBP, as it is transmitted by the fecal-oral route rather than via blood. How Can BBP Affect My Health? Hepatitis B and C can cause chronic liver inflammation and liver cancer. In fact, Hepatitis C is now the leading cause of liver transplants. HIV causes AIDS, which weakens the immune system. All of these diseases can result in death. How Does a Person Become Infected?

If blood or certain other body fluids infected with BBP enters your blood there is a possibility you could get infected too. In the work setting, there are several ways this could happen. A contaminated needle sticks you; infected blood or other body fluids enter through an opening in your skin such as a cut, scrape, irritated insect bite, etc; infected blood or body fluids enter your eyes, nose, or mouth. There are of course other ways to get infected, such as sharing needles (including tattoo needles) or having unprotected sex with an infected person. These are not situations you should encounter as part of your job at Appalachian, though, so they are not addressed further in this fact sheet. How Do I Know if Someone is Infected? You can't tell. Many people carry Hepatitis B, C, or HIV for years without even knowing it. The symptoms are often very vague and sometimes they have no symptoms at all. How Do I Protect Myself? The two most important things to do are to always wear liquid-proof gloves and to wash your hands well afterwards when you contact blood or other potentially infectious body fluids.

This is a good idea any time you contact human body fluids, since even fluids that don't contain BBP (such as nasal secretions) can infect you with unpleasant diseases like colds and the flu. Except in the case of occasionally acting as a "good Samaritan" if someone is hurt, you must not contact human blood or other potentially infective body fluids at work unless you have received special OSHA-required training. The University trains all Housekeepers on how to clean up blood or other body fluids safely. Others who receive training include all people who are expected to render first aid or other medical attention, such as Student Health Services employees, designated daycare providers, wilderness outing leaders, University police, and certain Communication Disorders Clinic personnel. Town firefighters and emergency medical staff who respond on campus also receive training. One thing you can do to protect yourself against Hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. The Hepatitis B vaccine consists of 3 shots taken over a several-month period. This vaccine has been shown to be so safe and effective that all children in public school now receive it. If you are part of the University's BBP Pathogens Program, your department will pay for you to receive the vaccine.

If you would like to get it on your own, it is readily available at doctors' offices, the health department, and is even offered occasionally on campus through the faculty/staff wellness program. The state health plan usually pays for the vaccine. Another thing you can do to protect yourself and your family is to get a Hepatitis C test at your doctor's office if you received any blood or blood products prior to July 1992. Before July 1992 there was no test in place to detect Hepatitis C in donated blood, so people who received blood or human organs before that time may have gotten the infection without knowing it. What is the ASU BBP Program? The BBP Program is an OSHA-required program. It requires the university to have a written Exposure Control Plan (PDF) , to provide affected people with yearly training, to offer them Hepatitis B vaccines at no cost, and to appoint an Exposure Control Officer. How Do I Know if I'm Part of the ASU BBP Program? If your job duties have a reasonable possibility of putting you at risk for contacting human blood or other potentially infective body fluids, you must participate in the ASU BBP Program.

We believe that all such positions have been identified; to see if your job is one of them, look at the Exposure Determinations List (Appendix 3) in the Exposure Control Plan (PDF) . If your job title does not appear there but you think it should, ask your supervisor to contact the University Exposure Control Officer . Instructions for adding an employee or job category to the Program can be found at the end of the Exposure Determinations List (Appendix 3). How Much Does It Cost to be Part of the University's BBP Program? There is no cost to any employee that is covered under the BBP Program. There is no charge for training. Departments with covered employees are charged for each vaccine administered and for any post-exposure care an employee requires. Post-exposure care is covered by Workers' Compensation. Employees or students who are not part of the University's BBP Program can attend training for free but must pay for their own Hepatitis B vaccine. What About Students - Are They Covered by the University's BBP Program? It depends. Only people who receive a paycheck from the University are considered "employees" and are covered by the BBP Program. These are the people who can receive the Hepatitis B vaccine at no charge.

This includes graduate assistantships if the assistantship includes work that could put the graduate student at risk for exposure to BBP. Students who might be exposed to BBP as part of unpaid work (for example, required coursework, volunteer work, or unpaid internships) are not covered by the BBP Program. That means that they must pay for their own Hepatitis B vaccines. However, departments or instructors that require or encourage work that will expose students to BBP are strongly encouraged to require proof of Hepatitis B vaccination before allowing the student to enter the academic program (as is commonly required when entering nursing schools, for example). See Appendix 10 of the Exposure Control Plan (PDF) for the Appalachian form for departments/instructors whose students may be exposed to BBP. The purpose of the form is to inform students of their rights and responsibilities. The form will also help limit instructors' and the university's liability should a student be exposed to BBP as part of required coursework or internship. Whom Do I Contact if I Need More Information? Hepatitis C FAQs for the Public | Division of Viral Hepatitis | CDC Hepatitis C FAQs for the Public Overview What is hepatitis? “Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver.

Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver ; the most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. What is the difference between Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C? Hepatitis A , Hepatitis B , and Hepatitis C are diseases caused by three different viruses. Although each can cause similar symptoms, they have different modes of transmission and can affect the liver differently. Hepatitis A appears only as an acute or newly occurring infection and does not become chronic. People with Hepatitis A usually improve without treatment. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can also begin as acute infections, but in some people, the virus remains in the body, resulting in chronic disease and long-term liver problems. There are vaccines to prevent Hepatitis A and B; however, there is not one for Hepatitis C. If a person has had one type of viral hepatitis in the past, it is still possible to get the other types. What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver. It results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis C can be either “acute” or “chronic.” Acute Hepatitis C virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis C virus. For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis C virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis C virus remains in a person’s body. Hepatitis C virus infection can last a lifetime and lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer. Statistics How common is acute Hepatitis C in the United States? In 2014, there were an estimated 30,500 cases of acute hepatitis C virus infections reported in the United States. How common is chronic Hepatitis C in the United States? An estimated 2.7-3.9 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C.

How likely is it that acute Hepatitis C will become chronic? Approximately 75%–85% of people who become infected with Hepatitis C virus develop chronic infection. Transmission / Exposure How is Hepatitis C spread? Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began in the United States, Hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. People can become infected with the Hepatitis C virus during such activities as Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs Needlestick injuries in health care settings Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C Less commonly, a person can also get Hepatitis C virus infection through Sharing personal care items that may have come in contact with another person’s blood, such as razors or toothbrushes Having sexual contact with a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus Can Hepatitis C be spread through sexual contact? Yes, but the risk of transmission from sexual contact is believed to be low.

The risk increases for those who have multiple sex partners, have a sexually transmitted disease, engage in rough sex, or are infected with HIV. More research is needed to better understand how and when Hepatitis C can be spread through sexual contact. Can you get Hepatitis C by getting a tattoo or piercing? A few major research studies have not shown Hepatitis C to be spread through licensed, commercial tattooing facilities. However, transmission of Hepatitis C (and other infectious diseases) is possible when poor infection-control practices are used during tattooing or piercing. Body art is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, and unregulated tattooing and piercing are known to occur in prisons and other informal or unregulated settings. Further research is needed to determine if these types of settings and exposures are responsible for Hepatitis C virus transmission. Can Hepatitis C be spread within a household? Yes, but this does not occur very often. If Hepatitis C virus is spread within a household, it is most likely a result of direct, through-the-skin exposure to the blood of an infected household member. How should blood spills be cleaned from surfaces to make sure that Hepatitis C virus is gone?

Any blood spills — including dried blood, which can still be infectious — should be cleaned using a dilution of one part household bleach to 10 parts water. Gloves should be worn when cleaning up blood spills. How long does the Hepatitis C virus survive outside the body? The Hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body at room temperature, on environmental surfaces, for up to 3 weeks. What are ways Hepatitis C is not spread? Hepatitis C virus is not spread by sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, or sneezing. It is also not spread through food or water. Who is at risk for Hepatitis C?

Some people are at increased risk for Hepatitis C, including: Current injection drug users (currently the most common way Hepatitis C virus is spread in the United States) Past injection drug users, including those who injected only one time or many years ago Recipients of donated blood, blood products, and organs (once a common means of transmission but now rare in the United States since blood screening became available in 1992) People who received a blood product for clotting problems made before 1987 Hemodialysis patients or persons who spent many years on dialysis for kidney failure People who received body piercing or tattoos done with non-sterile instruments People with known exposures to the Hepatitis C virus, such as Health care workers injured by needlesticks Recipients of blood or organs from a donor who tested positive for the Hepatitis C virus HIV-infected persons Children born to mothers infected with the Hepatitis C virus Less common risks include: Having sexual contact with a person who is infected with the Hepatitis C virus Sharing personal care items, such as razors or toothbrushes, that may have come in contact with the blood of an infected person What is the risk of a pregnant woman passing Hepatitis C to her baby?

Hepatitis C is rarely passed from a pregnant woman to her baby. About 6 of every 100 infants born to mothers with Hepatitis C become infected with the virus. However, the risk becomes greater if the mother has both HIV infection and Hepatitis C. Can a person get Hepatitis C from a mosquito or other insect bite? Hepatitis C virus has not been shown to be transmitted by mosquitoes or other insects. Can I donate blood, organs, or semen if I have Hepatitis C? No, if you ever tested positive for the Hepatitis C virus (or Hepatitis B virus), experts recommend never donating blood, organs, or semen because this can spread the infection to the recipient. Symptoms What are the symptoms of acute Hepatitis C? Approximately 70%–80% of people with acute Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms. Some people, however, can have mild to severe symptoms soon after being infected, including: Fever Jaundice (yellow color in the skin or eyes) How soon after exposure to Hepatitis C do symptoms appear? If symptoms occur, the average time is 6–7 weeks after exposure, but this can range from 2 weeks to 6 months.

However, many people infected with the Hepatitis C virus do not develop symptoms. Can a person spread Hepatitis C without having symptoms? Yes, even if a person with Hepatitis C has no symptoms, he or she can still spread the virus to others. Is it possible to have Hepatitis C and not know it? Yes, many people who are infected with the Hepatitis C virus do not know they are infected because they do not look or feel sick. What are the symptoms of chronic Hepatitis C? Most people with chronic Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms. However, if a person has been infected for many years, his or her liver may be damaged. In many cases, there are no symptoms of the disease until liver problems have developed. In persons without symptoms, Hepatitis C is often detected during routine blood tests to measure liver function and liver enzyme (protein produced by the liver) level. How serious is chronic Hepatitis C? Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, including liver damage, liver failure, liver cancer, or even death. It is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation in the United States.

Approximately 19,000 people die every year from Hepatitis C related liver disease. What are the long-term effects of Hepatitis C? Of every 100 people infected with the Hepatitis C virus, about 75–85 people will develop chronic Hepatitis C virus infection; of those, 60–70 people will go on to develop chronic liver disease 5–20 people will go on to develop cirrhosis over a period of 20–30 years 1–5 people will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer Tests Can a person have normal liver enzyme (e.g., ALT) results and still have Hepatitis C? Yes. It is common for persons with chronic Hepatitis C to have a liver enzyme level that goes up and down, with periodic returns to normal or near normal. Some infected persons have liver enzyme levels that are normal for over a year even though they have chronic liver disease. If the liver enzyme level is normal, persons should have their enzyme level re-checked several times over a 6–12 month period. If the liver enzyme level remains normal, the doctor may check it less frequently, such as once a year.

Who should get tested for Hepatitis C? Talk to your doctor about being tested for Hepatitis C if any of the following are true: You were born from 1945 through 1965 You are a current or former injection drug user, even if you injected only one time or many years ago. You were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987. You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992. You are on long-term hemodialysis treatment. You have abnormal liver tests or liver disease. You work in health care or public safety and were exposed to blood through a needlestick or other sharp object injury. You are infected with HIV. If you are pregnant, should you be tested for Hepatitis C? No, getting tested for Hepatitis C is not part of routine prenatal care. However, if a pregnant woman has risk factors for Hepatitis C virus infection, she should speak with her doctor about getting tested. What blood tests are used to test for Hepatitis C? Several different blood tests are used to test for Hepatitis C. A doctor may order just one or a combination of these tests.

Typically, a person will first get a screening test that will show whether he or she has developed antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus. (An antibody is a substance found in the blood that the body produces in response to a virus.) Having a positive antibody test means that a person was exposed to the virus at some time in his or her life. If the antibody test is positive, a doctor will most likely order a second test to confirm whether the virus is still present in the person's bloodstream. Treatment Can acute Hepatitis C be treated? Yes, acute hepatitis C can be treated. Acute infection can clear on its own without treatment in about 25% of people. If acute hepatitis C is diagnosed, treatment does reduce the risk that acute hepatitis C will become a chronic infection. Acute hepatitis C is treated with the same medications used to treat chronic Hepatitis C. However, the optimal treatment and when it should be started remains uncertain. Can chronic Hepatitis C be treated? Yes. There are several medications available to treat chronic Hepatitis C, including new treatments that appear to be more effective and have fewer side effects than previous options. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a complete list of approved treatments for Hepatitis C .

Is it possible to get over Hepatitis C? Yes, approximately 15%–25% of people who get Hepatitis C will clear the virus from their bodies without treatment and will not develop chronic infection. Experts do not fully understand why this happens for some people. What can a person with chronic Hepatitis C do to take care of his or her liver? People with chronic Hepatitis C should be monitored regularly by an experienced doctor. They should avoid alcohol because it can cause additional liver damage. They also should check with a health professional before taking any prescription pills, supplements, or over-the-counter medications, as these can potentially damage the liver. If liver damage is present, a person should check with his or her doctor about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Vaccination Is there a vaccine that can prevent Hepatitis C? Not yet. Vaccines are available only for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Research into the development of a vaccine is under way. Hepatitis C and Employment Should a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus be restricted from working in certain jobs or settings?

CDC's recommendations for prevention and control of the Hepatitis C virus infection state that people should not be excluded from work, school, play, child care, or other settings because they have Hepatitis C. There is no evidence that people can get Hepatitis C from food handlers, teachers, or other service providers without blood-to-blood contact. Hepatitis C and Co-infection with HIV What is HIV and Hepatitis C virus coinfection? HIV and Hepatitis C virus coinfection refers to being infected with both HIV and the Hepatitis C virus. Coinfection is more common in persons who inject drugs. In fact, 50%–90% of HIV-infected persons who use injection drugs are also infected with the Hepatitis C virus. To learn more about coinfection, read HIV and Viral Hepatitis [PDF - 2 pages] . Quick Links to Hepatitis ...

Question: Which organ of the human body is affected by Hepatitis?
Answer: Liver