By: Samantha Smith, RN, Disease Prevention Specialist
May is Hepatitis Awareness month. Many people aren’t sure what exactly Hepatitis is and why it’s so important to get tested!
The word “Hepatitis” simply means inflammation of the liver. There are several ways this inflammation can occur. One of the most concerning ways is through the Hepatitis viruses.
For example, you may have heard of Hepatitis A, B, and C. These are the most well-known Hepatitis viruses. Currently there are vaccines available to prevent a person from getting Hepatitis A and B, however there is not a vaccine available for Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A is a virus that can be spread through consuming something that has been contaminated with fecal matter. For example if a person travels to a country where they do not have regulated water systems, there is potential for that person to come into contact with water that has been contaminated with feces.
Hepatitis B is a virus that is spread through blood and sexual contact. This means a person would have to have sexual contact or direct blood to blood contact with someone infected with Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a chronic life long illness.
Hepatitis C (HCV) is the virus you have probably been hearing about most recently in the news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that everyone born between 1945-1965, also known as “baby boomers”, get tested for Hepatitis C. According to the CDC, baby boomers are five times more likely to be infected with Hepatitis C and not know they have it. This is because the virus can live inside the body for decades without showing any symptoms.
“Baby boomers” are at higher risk for this virus due to past events they may have been affected by. For example, some of you may remember being lined up in school to receive vaccinations. During this time the same needle was used for each student which had the potential to increase the spread of infection. Another potential reason is before 1992 blood products were not regularly inspected for Hepatitis C. This also relates to surgical procedures during this time frame. I have met many nurses who remember only using soap and water to sterilize surgical equipment in-between patient surgeries.
Another population we are beginning to see with a rise in the Hepatitis C virus are individuals who have a history of injection (IV) drug use. Sharing injection drug equipment increases the risk for blood to blood transfer between persons, therefore increasing the amount of Hepatitis C we are seeing throughout our state. Anyone with a history of IV drug use can receive a FREE Hepatitis C test at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health.
Untreated Hepatitis C can cause severe liver damage and even liver failure. The good news is there is a cure for Hepatitis C! The treatment is a daily pill taken for an 8, 10, or 12 week period. The treatment success rate is over 95% effective!
So if you were born between 1945-1965 or have a history of IV drug use, you need to request a Hepatitis C test! For more testing information, contact your doctor or call the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. Remember Hepatitis C is CURABLE, but you have to know if you have it first!
