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Shall we begin?
Hepatitis C, or the dragon, as we call it is quickly becoming an epidemic in our country.
The how or why we got this disease is really when you think about it, trivial.
What is important, however, is what do we do now?
On the next few pages I am going to go into what Hep C is, and the tests
required in the initial phases.
From there , I will go into my personal story, and line you up with information
and support for not only yourself, but your family and friends as well.
So, I guess we will get started !!
And remember this, YOU ARE NOT ALONE !!
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a virus that infects the liver and causes hepatitis. Hepatitis is inflammation (swelling) of the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis and possible cancer in a small number of cases. Hepatitis C was identified in 1989. Before then it was called non-A, non-B hepatitis, meaning that it was not caused by hepatitis A or hepatitis B viruses. To date, six types of hepatitis have been identified (type 1, 2,3,4,5,6).
It is estimated that between 1 to 4% of the world population is infected with hepatitis C. The infection rate in Canada is between 0.5% and 1%. Up to 270 000 Canadians are believed to have hepatitis C although only a small number know that they are infected.
The following are some statistic of hepatitis C in high-risk groups.
Among needle drug users, the infection rate is 80% 
Within the population of people with hemophilia, 70% have been infected. People with severe hemophilia have a higher rate of hepatitis C infection than individuals with moderate or mild hemophilia. This is because they have received more blood products.
The infection rate is low in children born after 1988 because they used blood products in which the virus has been inactivated. Hepatitis C infection is higher among people with hemophilia who are HIV positive than those who are HIV negative. As well, people with hemophilia who have hepatitis B, have a higher infection rate with hepatitis C. 
People frequently get the virus through:
Unclean needles and equipment shared among needle drug users.
There is a definite risk of infection for health care workers who are accidentally stuck with contaminated needles.
It is less likely that people get hepatitis C through:
Blood and blood products. Before 1990, many cases of hepatitis C were acquired through the use of blood or blood products. Improvements in blood product treatments and screening of blood has reduced the risk of getting hepatitis C. However, medical literature shows that a small risk still exists. As well, the blood product cryoprecipitate is not subject to viral inactivation procedures.
People are rarely infected through:
Unprotected sex. Research indicates that a small number of people become infected through unprotected sexual intercourse. Although extremely rare.
Infected mother to child at birth.
It is still not known how the hepatitis C virus is transmitted in a large number of cases.
If you are infected, take the following steps to make sure that you don’t spread the virus:
Never donate blood, body organs, other tissue or semen.
Clean blood spills with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10% solution of bleach. 
Throw out blood-stained articles in a plastic bag. 
Don’t share toothbrushes, razors or nail files. 
Tell your dentist, doctor and hospital staff that you have hepatitis C.
Use a latex condom during sexual intercourse. 
If you are considering having children, please consult your physician about transmission risks and reproductive options.
Cover cuts and sores. 
Avoid tattooing, body piercing and electrolysis. 
Never use a needle or syringe which has been used by someone else.
How to Dispose of Syringes, Lancets & Needles
For persons with hemophilia and related blood disorders on self-infusion programs, follow all instructions carefully.
