Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States. It is a liver disease that is caused by the virus HCV.

Symptoms:

As with all STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infection), symptoms may not be present, but you or your partner may still be infected and infecting others. Serious chronic infections may be a result of this disease. These infections cause liver damage, which may make skin and eyes turn yellow (jaundice), and may cause tiredness and nausea. Some of these infections can also cause cancer and death.

How it is Spread:

Hepatitis C is most often spread through sharing needles while shooting drugs. It can also be contracted through sexual contact, with the exchange of infected body fluids.

Side Effects:

Hepatitis C can be transmitted to a child through blood contact during birth.

Treatment:

There is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C. There are some drugs to treat it but they are expensive, long term, have side affects and may not work.

How to Avoid:

Abstinence until a single, life-long, committed, and monogamous relationship is the only sure way to avoid being infected. If you are married, stay faithful. If you are sexually active, stop and get tested. Don't shoot drugs.

Sources
Center of Disease Control and Prevention
The Medical Institute