Hepatitis C Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment
Published May 12, 2023
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C (HCV).
How is Hepatitis C spread?
HCV is usually spread when one comes into contact with blood from an infected person through sharing needles, birth, sex with an infected person, unregulated tattoos, body piercings, blood transfusions, organ transplants, etc.
Who Should Be Tested?
Many people with HCV have no symptoms and don’t know they’re infected. People with chronic HCV can live for five years without symptoms or feeling sick. When symptoms appear, it is often a sign of advanced liver disease.
The CDC now recommends one-time HCV testing of all adults (18 and older) and all pregnant women during every pregnancy.
How Often Do I Get Tested? What Are My Treatment Options?
Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) can test for HCV and effectively treat HCV using medications. Ask your doctor about getting tested. Although there are no vaccines to prevent HCV, it is curable in more than 95% of cases.
For Choctaw Nation HCV Testing and Treatment Information contact:
Call the RN Case Manager at 539-316-6064 or visit cdc.gov/knowmorehepatitis