Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to prepare or inject drugs. Before 1992, Hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. After that, widespread screening of the blood supply in the United States virtually eliminated this source of infection. PASS includes Hepatitis C in testing protocols in order to ensure the health and safety of performers.

 What is Hepatitis C?

• Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. If left untreated it can cause significant liver damage, and even death. 

• For those with acute infections, symptoms can appear one to three months after infection and last two weeks to three months. These symptoms can include: jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes,) fatigue, nausea and/or fever.

• If chronic, liver disease can occur with symptoms including: bleeding easily, bruising easily, fatigue, poor appetite, yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice,) dark-colored urine, itchy skin, fluid buildup in your abdomen (ascites, swelling in your legs, weight loss, confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy,) spider-like blood vessels on your skin (spider angiomas)

What are the risks associated with Hepatitis C?

• People can become infected with the Hepatitis C virus during such activities as: sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to prepare or inject drugs, Needlestick injuries in health care settings, and being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C.

• Less commonly, a person can also get Hepatitis C virus through: sharing personal care items that may have come in contact with another person’s blood, such as razors or toothbrushes. Having sexual contact with a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus, and getting a tattoo or body piercing in an unregulated setting.

• Any blood to blood contact and or contact between blood and mucosal tissue such as inside the mouth or in an anal cavity can allow for transmission. Tearing and bleeding during unprotected sex can also allow for blood to blood contact.

• In 2014 there were 30,500 new cases of acute Hep C diagnosed and an estimated 2.7-3.9 million in the U.S. living with chronic Hep C infections.

• Because Hep C can lay dormant in a person’s body for years before showing signs, regular screening is recommended. 

• An acute infection doesn’t always result in a chronic infection, studies suggest that 14-50% of those with acute Hep C infections were able to clear the virus without any treatment at all.

• Hep C can remain viable and infectious for between 3-6 weeks outside of the body, so it is important to clean and disinfect any area that has had contact with potentially contaminated blood, including surfaces, toys, doorknobs and furniture. Effective cleaning methods include calvacide, alcohol, and bleach. 

What treatments are available for those who have contracted the virus?

• There is currently no vaccine for Hep C. 

• In recent years treatment for Hep C has improved immensely and can be cured with prescription medication taken daily for two to six months.

• Treatment is generally covered by health insurance and there are assistance programs for those who can’t afford it. Contact us if you need assistance.

More resources:

• The CDC has information related to Hep C, prevention methods, and access to treatment. 

• The World Health Organization can direct you to information surrounding rates and current research.