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Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis C
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions section of our site. We sincerely hope you find these questions and answers helpful. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please send us an Webmaster@HepatitisCnME.org"e-mail.
The questions are grouped by general type, whether it is fundamental background ("The Basics") that you need, more technical information ("Medical"), help understanding and dealing with feelings ("Emotions"), or guidance in interacting with others ("Relationships").
What is Hepatitis?
Can I get vaccinated for Hepatitis?
I'm usually an easygoing person, but since I learned I have Hepatitis, I'm angry. Why?
Should I tell my family I have Hepatitis C?
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, drugs, or other factors. So far, there are 6 known types of viral Hepatitis: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Each type of Hepatitis is different in how they are transmitted and in how sick you can get. The different types of Hepatitis are caused by different things, but they all produce inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A and E are milder forms of Hepatitis usually spread through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C, and D are more serious forms of Hepatitis spread through contact with human blood that is contaminated with Hepatitis, or by sexual activity with a person who has Hepatitis (usually Hepatitis B). Hepatitis B and C have the greatest potential to damage your liver.
How do you get Hepatitis C?
Hepatits C is spread through contact with human blood or other body fluids. Up to 40% of people with Hepatitis never learn how they were infected.
Is Hepatitis C common?
Yes, Hepatitis C is very common. There are about 4 million people in the United States with Hepatitis C. More than 8 out of 10 people with Hepatitis C will develop a chronic infection
Are certain people at more risk for getting Hepatitis C than others?
Yes. You are at high risk for Hepatitis C if you:
- Had a blood transfusion or transplant before 1992
- Have been a hemodialysis patient
- Have a job that exposed you to human blood
- Have been in contact with the blood of someone who has Hepatitis C
- Have ever injected or snorted drugs using shared paraphenalia
- Have tattoos or body piercing
How do I know if I have Hepatitis C?
Many people don't notice anything wrong with them. They feel well. In fact, you can have Hepatitis C for many years before you even know you have the virus. By then, your liver may have already been damaged. Some people feel like they have the flu. They are tired, feverish, and achy. Some have itchy skin. Some may even have jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).
What is the difference between chronic and acute Hepatitis C?
With acute Hepatitis C your body fights the virus and if it succeeds in getting rid of the virus from your body, most of the injured part of your liver returns to normal. Generally this takes less than 6 months. With chronic Hepatitis C however, your body doesn't get rid of the virus within the 6 month period. The virus stays in your system and continues to damage your liver.
Can I get vaccinated for Hepatitis?
There is a vaccine for Hepatitis A and B, but not for Hepatitis C.
If I've been exposed to Hepatitis C, how long will it take before I know I have the disease?
The amount of time that elapses between infection and the development of symptoms (incubation period) may take up to six months with the average being 6-9 weeks. After initial exposure, Hepatitis C RNA can be detected in blood in 1-3 weeks. Remember, some people don't know they have been exposed and symptoms don't occur for years. If you know you have been exposed, or are at risk for Hepatitis, tell your doctor.
Are there special tests that can be done to see if I have Hepatitis C?
Yes. Your doctor can do a blood test to see if you have Hepatitis C. In addition, blood tests are done to determine how your liver is functioning and if antibodies (proteins that your body makes to fight the Hepatitis virus) have been built up in your blood. These tests will be repeated as your therapy progresses.
Why is liver damage dangerous?
The liver works in important ways: it keeps toxins and poisons, including drugs and alcohol, from harming your body; it makes needed body chemicals such as fats and proteins; and it performs many other roles to keep you healthy. A damaged liver can't perform these tasks very well, putting your life in danger. Hepatitis C can lead to serious liver damage that could require a liver transplant. Almost one third of all liver transplants in the U.S. were required because the person had Hepatitis C.
Do I have to get treated?
If you have Hepatitis C and do not get medical treatment, you increase the risk of developing life threatening liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. Chronic Hepatitis C is a disease that should be taken seriously, which means following the exact treatment plan your doctor prescribes.
I'm usually an easygoing person, but since I learned I have Hepatitis, I'm angry. Why?
People with a chronic illness often react with anger and frustration to the loss of control over their bodies. You may be angry at yourself for becoming infected with Hepatitis, and you might even be angry at your doctor for not curing you fast. Since Hepatitis is sometimes misunderstood, you may also feel angry about other people's negative attitudes. All of these feelings are normal responses.
Why did this happen to me?
"Why me?" is something you may be asking yourself over and over during therapy. It's common to become frustrated trying to figure out exactly where, or how, you picked up this infection. Some people wonder if they are being punished for some reason. The truth is that while you may feel like a victim, you are not alone. Almost 4 million people in the United States are infected with Hepatitis C.
How can I get over being angry?
Admitting that you're angry and figuring out why are the first steps in learning how to control and get rid of anger. There are "healthy" ways to release angry feelings, such as:
- Changing your outlook.
- Avoid activities that could make your Hepatitis worse.
- Finding an outlet for angry feelings.
- You could even try going to a professional counselor, or your minister, priest, or rabbi.
- Getting involved in a church, synagogue, or other house of worship, as well as spending time in prayer, can help some people feel more peaceful.
- Try new activities or hobbies.
- Stay with the therapy your doctor has prescribed.
- Getting support from others. Maybe someone you know can be there to talk to when you need to vent your feelings.
- Taking a "time out." Walk away from angry situations, or count to 10 before acting out. This can give you time to cool off and relax.
- Doing something relaxing: reading a book, doing yoga, meditating, or whatever is relaxing to you.
Since finding out that I have Hepatitis C I feel stressed. How come?
Many people with chronic Hepatitis C feel stress. Dealing with the day-to-day stress of living with Hepatitis is an important part of you handling your illness. If you can face Hepatitis with a positive attitude, chances are you'll be able to handle the stress it brings better than someone who gives in to feeling hopeless. All in all, coping well with stress allows you to take control of a situation, rather than letting the situation control you.
Is there anything I can do to help me cope with stress?
Yes, it is important to release stress before it builds up and overwhelms you. Cope with the stress of Hepatitis in positive ways:
- Eat healthy, nutritious foods, and avoid drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances.
- Get control of your stress by learning as much as you can about Hepatitis and how to live with it.
- Talk it out with family and friends.
- Volunteer to help others.
- Work with your doctor and nurse to monitor and improve your health by following all instructions and asking questions.
- Physical activity and light exercise can reduce stress by releasing chemicals in the brain called endorphins. These chemicals can relieve pain and lift your spirits naturally. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
- Stress management or reduction techniques can help relieve some of the physical and emotional effects of Hepatitis and therapy. There are numerous books, phamplets, and articles about many of these techniques . Visit your local library or "surf the net," but be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any of these stress relaxation methods.
Why do I feel like I should hide the fact that I have Hepatitis?
Sometimes patients with Hepatitis start to feel embarrassed of their illness if others react negatively to their diagnosis. Some people will have misinformed attitudes about Hepatitis C. It is a sad reality that some people will jump to conclusion about, or believe that they would be endangered by your illness. Your diagnosis is confidential. You can choose the people with whom you will share this information based on their need to know, their closeness to you, and those who would most likely provide you with support rather than stress or dissension.
Why do I feel so alone?
Sometimes unknowingly, regardless of the diagnosis, people often respond to serious illness by staying away from the sick person. A person with Hepatitis may feel isolated or shut out at a time when he or she needs comfort and understanding more than ever. Or you might even be isolating yourself because you are uncomfortable with the fact that you have Hepatitis and want to disconnect yourself from anyone showing concern about your disease. In either case, you need to take action and start talking to people.
Will a support group help me feel less alone?
Yes, most definitely. Support groups and other self-help groups can be a great way for a person with a serious illness to "reconnect" to people and life. Sharing thoughts and feelings with people who really understand what you're going through can help you see that you are not alone.
Should I tell my family I have Hepatitis C?
Only you can answer this question for sure, but an illness such as Hepatitis C requires a lot of support and usually your family can be the best source of this support. The way everyone handles the disease depends on how the family worked together to begin with. Everyone in your family will need to be a little more patient and have a better understanding of Hepatitis and your therapy. You should do everything you can to educate them and involve them in your treatment.
How do I help my family understand all of the serious information it's taken me so long to learn?
Calmly explain what's happening to you, keeping your explanation simple. Pick a setting and time where you can talk without interruptions. Caremark can give you a Coaching Booklet, that includes the CarePatterns® for Hepatitis C program materials, to help you. Use the CarePatterns® materials to tell them about your illness and explain your therapy to them. Perhaps you can arrange to have a family member go with you to your doctor appointments. Most of all, let your family know that all feelings, even those of anger, sadness, guilt, fear, or more, are normal and okay.
Should I tell my children about my Hepatitis?
Children are likely to have more trouble coping with a parent's serious illness if you don't talk to them about it. Keeping your disease a secret is next to impossible, since children often sense when something's wrong. If you try to protect them, they may actually develop fears far worse than they would have if you tell then the real situation. Children can get upset about a parent's obvious physical discomfort. Perhaps your own worries about treatment may make you keep a distance from your children, so they react badly. Lastly, your children may resent the lost attention or become afraid to leave your side. For all of these reason, it is advisable to talk to your kids about Hepatitis. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may want to speak with a professional counselor, your priest, minister, or rabbi.
Why have some of my friends and/or family members been distant?
Different people react differently when someone they know is diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis C. Some may not know how to respond to the news, others may avoid you in order to avoid facing fears about their own health. Sometimes people are afraid to say the wrong thing or don't understand what you're going through. You probably need to make the first move and help them learn more about your illness and treatment.
What can I do if someone is afraid they will hurt me by touching me, or that they will catch Hepatitis C from a hug or handshake?
Some people, even adults, actually believe that they will catch Hepatitis if you sneeze, cough, hug, or even just look at them. You need to explain to them how Hepatitis C is actually spread by asking them to read the information on this Web site. People with a serious illness like Hepatitis C still need to be touched and held, maybe even more often than before. You might want to consider making an appointment with a physical therapist or massage therapist for a nurturing back rub.
I'm worried about having sex. Will I give Hepatitis to my partner?
There are different opinions on whether chronic Hepatitis C is transmitted sexually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified sexual activity as a potential risk factor for Hepatitis C. The risk does appear to increase in people who have had more than one sexual partner. Some scientific studies have found traces of the Hepatitis C virus in semen, saliva, and other body fluids. Other studies have found none. The safer thing to do is to use a latex condom especially and most importantly if you have multiple partners. Also, always be honest with a would-be lover and tell them you have Hepatitis before you have sex.
What precautions should I take to prevent others from getting Hepatitis C?
Prevention is a smart approach. These are some guidelines, but you should discuss this with your doctor or nurse:
- Be careful around blood. Clean bloodstains with a disinfectant like a 10% bleach solution (mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
- Do not donate blood, sperm, or ova (eggs).
- Protect others by covering cuts and throwing out bandages soiled with blood in sealed plastic bags.
- Don't share your razor, toothbrush, nail clippers, or other personal items that could become soiled with your blood.
- Protect others by disposing used feminine hygiene products in sealed plastic bags.
- Don't inject or snort drugs, even cocaine, and don't share them with others because the paraphenalia you use can transfer tiny blood drops you may not see.
How can I stop others from judging me due to my illness?
Start by trying to explain Hepatitis and its treatment to them. Remember that you can't change or control the way everyone thinks, only your reaction to people's behavior. Try not to let yourself get downhearted if someone changes their behavior toward you during your treatment period, becoming overly concerned, or distancing themselves from you. Keep in mind that in many cases, people do not know how or when they became infected with this virus. Remember that regardless of the "how and when" on contracting Hepatitis C, the emphasis should be on what you are doing now to maximize the benefits you receive from your prescribed treatment regimen.
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Updated October 13, 2000
Webmaster@HepatitisCnME.org
Disclaimer
"This website provides health information for your general knowledge. Concerns about a medical condition--either your own or that of a family member, should always be addressed to your primary care physician for advice and care appropriate to your specific medical needs. We do not recommend self-diagnosis or self-management of health problems that should be attended to by health care professionals."
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