Understanding Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that leads to inflammation of the liver, which can cause severe liver damage over time. The infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood.
Seeking Treatment
Sublette County Hospital District is now very proud to be offering treatment for Hepatitis C (HCV). This is a completely curable disease that, if left untreated, can have significant long term health impacts both on individuals and the larger community. Both Pinedale Medical Clinic and Sublette County Public Health offer testing to anyone who is interested. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with HCV and looking for more information and possible treatment, please reach out to the Pinedale Medical Clinic at 367-4133 to schedule an appointment.
The Importance of Screening
Hepatitis C often goes undiagnosed because symptoms may not appear for decades. To address this, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults aged 18 to 79 undergo screening for hepatitis C, regardless of symptoms or known liver conditions. Early detection is key to preventing complications and improving outcomes.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C infection begins with an acute phase, which is rarely diagnosed because it often does not cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Fatigue
Nausea
Fever
Muscle aches
In its chronic phase, which can last for many years, symptoms may appear only after significant liver damage has occurred. These symptoms include:
Easy bruising and bleeding
Persistent fatigue
Loss of appetite
Dark-colored urine
Itchy skin
Swelling in the legs or abdomen
Confusion or slurred speech due to hepatic encephalopathy
Some people may clear the virus naturally after the acute phase, a process known as spontaneous viral clearance. For others, antiviral medications can effectively treat both acute and chronic hepatitis C.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact, such as through:
Sharing needles or syringes
Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
Accidental needle sticks among healthcare workers
Certain populations are at higher risk, including:
Individuals with a history of injecting drugs
Men who have sex with men
People with abnormal liver test results
Infants born to mothers with hepatitis C
Healthcare workers exposed to infected blood
People who have been incarcerated
Complications
Without treatment, chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious complications, including:
Cirrhosis: Extensive liver scarring that impairs liver function
Liver Cancer: A small percentage of people with chronic hepatitis C develop liver cancer
Liver Failure: Severe scarring can cause the liver to stop functioning altogether
Prevention
Currently, there is no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C. The most effective way to prevent infection is to avoid activities that could lead to exposure to the virus. If you believe you may have been exposed, it's important to get tested and treated promptly. Doing so can protect your health and prevent the spread of the virus to others.
To reduce the risk of hepatitis C infection:
Use sterile equipment for tattoos or piercings and ensure proper hygiene at the facility.
Encourage individuals who inject drugs to use clean kits and seek treatment.
Practice safer sex, especially if you have multiple partners or are unsure of a partner’s health status.
Treatment
Early screening, preventive measures, and effective treatment are essential for managing hepatitis C and protecting liver health. Antiviral medication has become a mainstay of treatment, offering up to 98% cure rates!
Sublette County Health District is now offering hepatitis C treatment, making us one of the only providers in western Wyoming! We're here to make care more accessible for our community. Call us at 307-367-4133 to schedule.
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CORRECTION TO OUR PREVIOUS NEWSLETTER REGARDING HEPATITIS C TREATMENT. THIS IS A COMPLETELY CURABLE DISEASE AND SUBLETTE COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT IS VERY EXCITED TO OFFER TREATMENT OPPORTUNITIES.