HEPATITIS C, THE BASICS
COMMON QUESTIONS:
*click on topics for detailed pages:
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What is Hepatitis C?
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Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver.
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WHY IS THE LIVER SO IMPORTANT?
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The liver is the largest internal organ in our body. The liver performs over 500 major functions. It filters our blood, removing harmful substances; plays key roles in processing and converting nutrients into energy, to name a few.
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How does a person get Hepatitis C?
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Hepatitis C is almost exclusively spread through blood to blood contact. Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant prior to 1992, long-term kidney dialysis, sharing drug paraphernalia (even once a long time ago), non-sterile tattoo or body piercing, Healthcare and Emergency Medical Service Work, serving in the armed forces and history of incarceration are among the many ways people can be put at risk for Hepatitis C.
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HAVE I BEEN VACCINATED FOR HEPATITIS C?
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No. Unfortunately there is currently no vaccination available for Hepatitis C. You can only be vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B.
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IS HEPATITIS C TESTING PART OF A PHYSICAL EXAM?
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Not necessarily. Check with your healthcare provider to find out for sure. Hepatitis C testing is not part of routine blood work to check for such things as cholesterol, complete blood counts etc.
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WOULDN'T I FEEL SICK IF I HAD HEPATITIS C?
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Hepatitis C symptoms are often vague and may easily be dismissed. Most people infected with Hepatitis C complain of fatigue, insomnia or achy joints. Others complain of itchy skin or migraine headaches. Fatigue is by far the most common complaint. If yellow eyes or skin occur, it may be associated with recent infection (known as acute Hepatitis C) or in end stage liver disease after being infected for 20 to 30 years or more.
WAYS TO LOVE YOUR LIVER, INFECTED OR NOT:
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AVOID Alcohol
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This is not a moral judgment. The effect of drinking alcohol, even moderately has been shown to speed disease progression to cirrhosis (severe and irreversible scarring of the liver) in as little as 10 years. If you do drink, limit the amount.
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GET YOUR HEPATITIS A & B VACCINATIONS
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You can become infected with more than one type of Viral Hepatitis. This will reek havoc on your liver.
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EAT AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE
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Avoid foods high in fat, sugar, sodium and caffeine. Eat lean meats, whole-grains, fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Drink plenty of water.
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AVOID RAW AND UNDERCOOKED SHELLFISH
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They could contain diseases that can harm your liver.
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AVOID TOXIC CHEMICALS INCLUDING SOLVENTS, PAINT THINNERS AND Pesticides
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If you must use them, do so in a well ventilated area, always wear gloves and mask with long sleeves and pants to avoid skin exposure and inhalation.
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REDUCE STRESS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
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The liver plays a key role in our body's immune (defense) system. Reducing stress enhances our immune system's ability to fight infection.
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GET REGULAR EXERCISE
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Even if you walk for just twenty minutes, 3-4 days a week, your liver will appreciate it.
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GET PLENTY OF SLEEP
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If you are tired...sleep. Try and avoid feeling guilty about needing more sleep than you may have needed in the past. Remember, fatigue is common with Hepatitis C.
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IMPROVE YOUR LIVER'S SELf-ESTEEM
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We encourage this in whatever way you see fit; meditation, prayer or positive affirmations. Treat your liver as you would your favorite pet. Give it a name . My liver is named "Raseupin" with great respect and affection, we take walks, eat well and are the best of friends. Hey, there's no proof, but it can't hurt!
