- Hepatitis C Virus is a blood-borne virus that enters the body through direct blood exposure.
- The virus attacks cells in the liver where it multiplies. HCV causes liver inflammation and kills liver cells.
- The National Insitutes of Health estimates that some four million Americans are infected with HCV. HCV affects over 170 million people worldwide.
- An estimated 8,000 - 10,000 Americans die annually of complications related to HCV. (cirhossis, cancer of the liver, etc) This fiqure is expected to triple in the next 10-20 years.
- Most people report few or no symptoms during the acute phase of HCV infection. Chronic HCV may be undiagnosed for years.
- Most people with chronic HCV infection lead relatively normal lives with with disease progression typically occuring over 10 - 40 years.
- There is no cure or vaccine for HCV.
- Hepatitis A, B and C are related only in that they affect the liver.
For additional information: http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/hcvinformation_2006.html
and check out a local support group!!
Posts
