| ..... |
 
Hep C is a blood born viral infection of the liver – over
time, it can lead to serious consequences including liver cirrhosis
and
liver cancer. HIV can exacerbate the problem. Doctors don’t
know much about Hep C – it’s not unlike what was known
about HIV 20 years ago. It can be transmitted sexually but actual
cases of sexual transmission of Hep C are rare.
HCV is most often spread through contaminated needles. Tattoo needles,
razors and toothbrushes may also spread the virus. Most people infected
with the virus don’t experience any of the common symptoms:
fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and flu-like feelings.
About 10-25% of people with chronic HCV disease develop severe liver
disease – usually between 10-40 years. Liver inflammation is
also a common symptom. Others include fibrosis, (when tough, stringy
tissue
develops), scarring, liver cancer and liver failure. Some develop
jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. When
people develop cirrhosis, scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through
the liver and the organ cannot function properly. This can lead to
bleeding veins in the esophagus or stomach, abdominal swelling, and
brain dysfunction. Many people get liver transplants as a result
of the liver failure.
Healthy Liver Tips:
| ... |
 |
Avoid alcohol. It contributes largely
to liver damage, especially in people with hepatitis.
|
|
Avoid exposure to environmental toxins
such as solvents, paint thinners and pesticides.
|
|
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
|
|
Sustain, moderate, regular exercise.
|
|
Get plenty of rest and sleep.
|
|
See your doctor regularly and monitor
your liver enzymes and blood cell counts.
|
|
Don’t share needles or other
works.
|
| |
Don’t share toothbrushes, nail
clippers or razors. |
Why take care of your Liver?
Your liver performs important functions, such as:
| ... |
|
Cleaning the blood of wastes and
toxins.
|
|
Storing energy.
|
|
Helping to keep you from getting
sick. You can't live without a functioning liver. |
Hep C Resources:
American Liver Foundation
(800) 223-0179
www.liverfoundation.org
Hepatitis C Support Project
www.hcvadvocate.org
Hepatitis Information Network
www.hepnet.com
Hepatitis Foundation International
(800) 891-0707
www.hepfi.org
Hep-C Alert
(877) 4-HELP-4-HEP
www.hepcproject.org
|
..... |
