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Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. While there are several types of hepatitis, HCV is the most common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 4.1 million Americans are infected with HCV, which makes it the most common blood-borne infection in the United States. It is estimated that 15,000 Montanans are chronically infected.

How are people infected with hepatitis C?

HCV is a disease caused by a blood-borne virus passed from person to person. HCV has been detected in other body fluids such as semen, serum (the clear liquid separate from clotted blood) and urine, but transmission from these sources is less likely.

Some of the ways HCV can be transmitted are through intravenous drug use (past or present, even one-time use), through mucous membranes when snorting cocaine or other drugs, occupational exposures such as needle sticks, from mother to child during childbirth, shared razors or toothbrushes, and tattoos or body piercing with contaminated equipment. Sexual activity that involves contact with infected blood or body fluids can be a source of HCV, but is less common.

Also, if you received a blood transfusion before 1992, you may be at risk for HCV. Today, blood for transfusions is screened for HCV, resulting in a very low risk.

There is no vaccine to prevent HCV infection.

How does HCV infection affect the liver?

An HCV infection attacks the liver. The liver stores vitamins, minerals and sugars; produces protein, bile and blood-clotting agents; regulates cholesterol and chemicals in the blood; keeps hormones at correct levels; and acts as a filter to cleanse blood and discharge waste products into bile. Any damage to your liver can cause problems in other parts of your body - this is why HCV is such a serious concern.

What are the symptoms of HCV?

The symptoms of HCV may include jaundice, fatigue, dark urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and nausea. Unfortunately, 80 percent of the time an infected person experiences no symptoms at all and liver damage occurs. HCV is a slowly evolving disease for most people and can take 20 years or longer to cause problems.

Long-term effects include chronic infection, which means you can pass HCV to others without even knowing you are infected. Other long-term effects with chronic HCV infection include cirrhosis and death from chronic liver disease. HCV is the leading cause for liver transplant.

How can you find out if you have HCV?

Your health care provider can do a blood test to see if you have HCV antibodies. If you have HCV, your health care provider will evaluate you for liver disease. Some types of chronic HCV infections may be treated with medications such as interferon and ribavirin. There are many side effects with these medications; they do not work for everyone and they are very expensive.

For more information about hepatitis C, ask your health care provider and visit www.cdc.gov/hepatitis.

Tammy Powers is a registered nurse and infection control coordinator at St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center.

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