Get Tested for Hepatitis C

Why did you receive blood that may have contained HCV?

You may have received this blood before tests to identify blood donors with hepatitis C were available or when they were less precise than they are now. The discovery of HCV was reported in 1989, and the first blood test for HCV became available in May 1990, which identified most, but not all, donors infected with HCV. Improved blood tests were put into use in July 1992. If you received blood after this date, you also may be notified because some donors who tested negative for HCV with these improved tests were in a very early stage of infection that the test could not detect.

What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have this disease.

Why should you be tested for hepatitis C?

If you test positive for hepatitis C, it is very likely that you have chronic (long term) liver disease. You will need to see a doctor to:

• determine if you have liver disease and how severe it is
• determine if you should be treated for your liver disease
• learn how you can protect your liver from further harm
• learn how you can prevent spreading HCV to others

To get tested, follow the advice of your doctor or the notification letter. Do not donate blood to get tested.

What if you don't feel sick?

Many persons who have hepatitis C have no symptoms and feel well. For some persons, the most common symptom is extreme tiredness. The only way to tell if you have been infected with HCV is to have a blood test. About 4 million Americans are infected with HCV and most don't know it. Whether you feel sick or not, you should have a blood test for hepatitis C.

How serious is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is serious for some persons, but not for others. Most persons who get hepatitis C carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Most of these persons have some liver damage but many do not feel sick from the disease. Some persons with liver damage due to hepatitis C may develop cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver and liver failure which may take many years to develop. Others have no long term effects.

If you have hepatitis C you should protect your liver by:

• seeing your doctor regularly
• not drinking alcohol
• not taking any medicines, including over-the-counter and herbal medicines, without checking with your doctor
• getting vaccinated against hepatitis A if you have liver damage

Is there a treatment for hepatitis C?

Antiviral medicines are approved for the treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis C. Treatment is effective in about 2-3 out of every 10 persons treated. You should check with your doctor to see if treatment would help you.