Hepatitis c

Short ppt on Hepatitis C/ It kills more than any BBP.

1. Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver. Acute Hepatitis C virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after exposure to the Hepatitis C virus. For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis C virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis C virus remains in a person’s body. Hepatitis C virus infection can last a lifetime and lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer.

2. Stats In 2009, about 16,000 cases of acute HCV were reported in the US. Approximately 3.2 million people in the United States are living with chronic HCV, compared to 130-150 million people worldwide. Baby Boomers, those born between 1945 and 1965, are 5 times more likely to be infected than those born in other time periods.

3. Stats 15–45% of people infected with HCV get better within six months without ever receiving treatment. 55–85% will develop chronic HCV infection. For people with chronic HCV infection, the chance of developing cirrhosis of the liver is 15–30% within 20 years. Antiviral treatment works for 50–90% of people treated. 350,000–500,000 people die from HCV-related complications each year.

4. Symptoms - Acute Acute hepatitis C usually goes undiagnosed because it rarely causes symptoms. When signs and symptoms are present, they may include: jaundice fatigue nausea fever muscle aches Acute symptoms appear one to three months after exposure to the virus and last two weeks to three months. Acute hepatitis C infection doesn't always become chronic. Some people (anywhere from 15 to 45%) clear HCV from their bodies after the acute phase, an outcome known as spontaneous viral clearance.

5. Symptoms - Chronic Chronic hepatitis C is usually a "silent" infection for many years, until the virus damages the liver enough to cause the signs and symptoms of liver disease. Among these signs and symptoms are: bruising and bleeding easily poor appetite jaundice dark-colored urine itchy skin f luid buildup in your abdomen (ascites) swelling in your legs weight loss c onfusion, drowsiness and slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy) s pider-like blood vessels on your skin (spider angiomas)

6. Transmission The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Some methods of transmission include: Sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. W hen poor infection-control practices are used during tattooing or piercing. Needlestick injuries in health care settings. Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C. Having sexual contact with a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus. Before 1992 - through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

7. Occupational Exposure According to OSHA, occupational exposure means “reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties.” Occupational exposure can occur among a variety of occupations, including: Body Art (i.e. tattooists and piercers) Correctional Health Care Workers First Responders / EMTs Health Care Workers Maintenance and Waste Workers

8. Health Care Workers Although the prevalence of HCV infection among health care workers is similar to that in the general population (1% to 2%), health care workers have an increased occupational risk for HCV infection. According to the CDC, the average risk of infection after a needlestick or cut exposure to infected blood is approximately 1.8%. Although recent studies show an association between sharps injuries and HCV infection, the number of health care workers who have acquired HCV occupationally is unknown. However, of the total acute HCV infections that have occurred annually (ranging from 100,000 in 1991 to 36,000 in 1996), 2% to 4% have been health care workers exposed to blood in the workplace.

9. Treatment Hepatitis C infection is treated with antiviral medications intended to clear the virus from your body. The goal of treatment is to have no hepatitis C virus detected in your body at least 12 weeks after you complete treatment. Researchers have recently made significant advances in treatment for hepatitis C using new, "direct-acting" anti-viral medications, sometimes in combination with existing ones. As a result, people experience better outcomes, fewer side effects and shorter treatment times — some as short as eight weeks. The choice of medications and length of treatment depend on the hepatitis C genotype, presence of existing liver damage, other medical conditions and prior treatments.