Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infectious disease that is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infecting the liver. HCV can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) that is often asymptomatic (no symptoms), but ensuing chronic HCV can result in cirrhosis (fibrotic scarring) of the liver or liver cancer.
At the present time, there is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C. The symptoms of infection can be medically managed, and a proportion of patients can be cleared of the virus by a long course of anti-viral medicines. Although early medical intervention is helpful, people with HCV often experience mild symptoms, and consequently do not seek treatment. An estimated 150-200 million people worldwide are infected with Hepatitis C.
Similar to HIV, HCV is spread when the blood of an infected person enters the bloodstream of an uninfected person. Sharing injection drug needles and works is one of the main ways both HIV and HCV are spread. In fact, 50%-90% of HIV-infected injection drug users are also infected with Hepatitis C. HCV infection is more serious in HIV-infected persons. It leads to liver damage more quickly. Co-infection with HCV may also affect the treatment of HIV infection. Therefore, it is important for HIV-infected persons to know whether or not they are infected with HCV and, if not, to take steps to prevent infection. Approximately 40% of LIAAC's clients are co-infected with HIV and HCV.
HCV can also be transmitted by an infected mother to her baby during birth, by blood transfusions which occurred prior to 1992, and through clotting factor injection prior to 1987. In addition, HCV can be spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner, but the risk of infection through sex is low.
In January 2005, Nassau and Suffolk Health Commissioners documented a prevalence of 11,364 cases of HCV on Long Island. Suffolk County reports hepatitis increasing at 200+ documented cases per week. Since many individuals infected with HCV do not experience signs or symptoms of the disease, it is believed that many are not tested and are unaware of their HCV status.
For individuals who are at risk for HCV and do not know their status, LIAAC can offer the following options: 1) field based assistance with conducting the Home Access Hepatitis C test; 2) referrals to HCV screening programs; and 3) case management services.
When utilizing the Home Access test, agency staff will provide counseling, answer questions, walk you through the testing process, send your test to the lab and provide you with your HCV test results. When utilizing referrals to HCV screening programs, outreach, and/or our hotline, staff will ensure that the referral provided meets the specific needs of the individual requesting the service. Case management has traditionally been a method for serving individuals who lack the ability to access resources, who suffer from chronic conditions, and are confronted with barriers on a consistent basis. When utilizing case management services, agency staff ensures the provision of health-related and social support services. Our field-based approach allows case managers to meet clients in their homes, in the hospital, and other community settings.
Hepatitis C|Sexually Transmitted Diseases|Substance (Ab)use|Mental Health
For more information, please contact our hotline at 1.877.TO.LIAAC
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