Hepatitis C in Massachusetts
Hepatitis c is an infection that affects the liver. The hepatitis c virus (HCV) spreads through contact with an infected person’s blood. It can cause an acute or chronic infection. People with hepatitis C often have no symptoms, and most do not know they have the infection. It can lead to serious health problems, including liver disease and cirrhosis. Hepatitis C can also be fatal. Medicines can cure hepatitis C. Hep C is the most common reason for a liver transplant in the US. Most cases of hepatitis C are chronic, meaning the infection has been present for 6 months or more. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C may include tiredness, joint pain, or a general feeling of being unwell. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to liver failure and cirrhosis, which can result in a liver transplant or death. More than 2 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C. It is estimated that 90% of those living with hepatitis C do not know they are infected. Hepatitis C can be spread through contaminated needles used to inject drugs or by sharing equipment for drug injection, such as spoons, filters and pipes. People who use drugs are more likely to get hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is also transmitted during sex without using a condom. Scientists have made great…
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