Contracting Hepatitis C

Contracting Hepatitis C (or Hep C) is a result of blood-to-blood exposure to a virus called HCV, which can inflame the liver. This condition can progress to scarring of the liver (fibrosis), and advanced scarring (cirrhosis). In some cases, those with cirrhosis may develop liver failure or other complications such as liver cancer.

My patients often wonder how they contracted Hepatitis C. Here are some of the ways most people contract the HCV virus:

Injecting drugs
Many people use needles to deliver their illicit drugs without realizing they are at increased risk of contracting Hepatitis C because they may be sharing needles or other paraphernalia which may be contaminated with Hep C-infected blood. An estimated 60% to 80% of all IV drug users in the United States have been infected with Hep C.

Drug use by inhaling through a straw
Hepatitis C may be transmitted through the nasal inhalation (snorting) of illegal drugs such as cocaine and crystal meth when straws (containing even trace amounts of mucus and blood) are shared among users.

Exposure at Your Doctor’s or Dentist’s Office
People can be exposed to Hep C by their healthcare providers via improperly sterilized medical or dental equipment such as needles or syringes, oral hygiene instruments, and jet air guns. Scrupulous use of proper sterilization methods and proper disposal of used equipment can reduce the risk of contracting Hep C in these ways to virtually zero so contracting Hepatitis C at the doctor’s office has become very rare.

However, the Hep C virus was not isolated until 1989 and reliable tests to screen for it were not available until 1992. Therefore, those who received blood or blood products prior to the implementation of screening the blood supply for HCV may have been exposed to the risk of contracting Hepatitis C.

Occupational exposure to infected blood
Medical and dental personnel, first responders (firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers), and military combat personnel can contract Hepatitis C by exposure to infected blood through accidental needle pricks or blood spatter to the eyes or open wounds. Precautions to protect against such accidental exposures significantly reduce the risk of contracting Hepatitis C.

Recreational exposure to infected blood
Contact sports, “rough-housing” and other activities, such as "slam dancing" that may result in accidental blood-to-blood exposure, can be potential sources of Hep C infection.

Sexual exposure
Studies show the risk of sexual transmission in heterosexual, monogamous relationships is extremely rare or even null. Vaginal penetration sex is believed to have a lower risk of transmission than sexual practices that involve anal penetration sex, fisting, or the use of sex toys.

Body piercing and tattoos
Tattooing dyes, ink pots and piercing implements can transmit Hep C-infected blood from one person to another if proper sterilization methods are not followed. Tattoos or piercing performed before the mid 1980s, especially those done "underground," or non-professionally, are of particular concern since sterile techniques in such settings usually would be insufficient to prevent transmission of Hep C. Despite these risks, it is relatively rare for tattoos to be directly associated with contracting Hepatitis C.

Sharing personal grooming items
Personal grooming items such as razors, toothbrushes, cuticle scissors, and other manicuring or pedicuring equipment can easily be contaminated with blood. Sharing such items could potentially lead to exposure to Hep C. Hep C is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing eating or cooking utensils.

The Hep C virus is usually detectable in the blood within one to three weeks after infection, and antibodies to the virus are generally detectable within 3 to 12 weeks. Approximately 15-40% of persons infected with Hep C clear the virus from their bodies during the acute phase. The remaining 60-85% develop chronic hepatitis C.

Until recently conventional medical practice was to see if the infection would spontaneously clear up without treatment. However, recent studies show that treatment during the acute phase has a greater than 90% success rate with half the treatment time required for chronic infections. Consequently, if you suspect you have contracted Hep C, you are advised to seek immediate treatment.

If you have a chronic infection and have not had success with conventional treatment, a good place to start your recovery is by following my Four Step Natural Cures Plan.

Contracting Hepatitis C can sometimes pass unnoticed for many years

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