Hep C. Information, Care, and pREVENTION

Hepatitis C. 101

  • Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver and cause inflammation. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions that are harsh on the liver can raise the risk of contracting the viral infection. Hep C is transmitted by exposure to blood containing Hep C. In the United States, the most common hepatitis viruses are hepatitis A virus, Hepatitis B virus, and Hepatitis C virus.

    Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, long-term illness. Hepatitis C is often described as “acute,” meaning a new infection, or “chronic,” meaning long-term infection.

    • Acute hepatitis C occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C can be a short-term illness, but for most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection.

    • Chronic Hepatitis C can be a lifelong infection if left untreated. Chronic hepatitis C can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and even death.

  • Hepatitis C transmits through blood. In the right environment Hep C can live outside the body for two weeks. It is important that if you have any circumstances in your life that bring you into contact with blood you take proper precautions and test as needed.

    Scroll down for information about who would benefit from routine Hep C. testing.

  • Hepatitis C is an infection that can affect the liver very seriously, it needs treatment to be cured. About 20% of people can clear out Hep C on their own, but this is a very rare trait.

    The function of the liver is:

    • Filtration.

    • Digestion.

    • Metabolism and Detoxification.

    • Protein synthesis.

    • Storage of vitamins and minerals.

    People can live with a partial liver but cannot live without a liver all together. Without a functioning liver people are at risk of their blood not clotting, causing uncontrolled bleeding. Toxins and chemicals will build up in the blood, and swelling of the brain and body.

 

View our Hep C. tri-fold guide by clicking on the button below. You can also download the guide once you open it.

Hep C. Testing

Reactive RAPID tEST:

 

If you have recently had a reactive rapid Hep C. test, a blood test will be necessary to confirm the rapid test results. This is because rapid tests are point-of-care tests and are considered preliminary. Scroll down to find information about clinics that can provide confirmatory testing and treatment.

rOUTINE Testing:

 

Routine Hep C. testing is not recommended for everyone. People who would fit under routine testing would be:

  • people who use injection drugs or did so in the past

  • people who share works/snorting equipment or did so in the past

  • people born between 1945-1965

  • people who have received transfusions or organ transplants before 1987

  • people who have gotten piercings or tattoos outside of a sterile shop

  • people who have kinks or fetishes that involve blood

  • people who have shared personal care items (toothbrush, razors)

testing if symptomatic:

 

If you ever experience any Hep C. symptoms we recommend getting tested and getting seen by a medical provider. Symptoms can include:

  • No noticeable changes

  • Jaundice ( yellowing of the skin)

  • Lack of appetite

  • Bleeding or bruising easily

  • Dark urine

  • Fatigue

  • Itchy skin

  • Fluid build up in your abdomen

  • Depression

  • Weight loss

Where can I get confirmatory testing and treatment?

  • Vivent Health

    Vivent Health offers confirmatory blood testing and treatment.

    (303) 393-8050

    Click Here

  • Denver Health

    Denver Sexual Health Clinic offers confirmatory blood testing and treatment.

    (303) 602-3540

    Click Here

  • Colorado Health Network

    CHN offers confirmatory blood testing and treatment.

    (303) 962-5317

    Click Here

Hep C. Prevention

Syringe Access Programs

The use of sterile, unused syringes or unused snorting equipment can help in preventing the transmission of Hep C. Syringe access programs offer sterile, unused syringes/works and snorting equipment. Click on the button below to find more information.

Sterile Shops

Get tattoos and/or piercings from trusted shops that use sterile equipment. When getting a tattoo or piercing outside of a sterile shop, equipment might be clean but that does not mean that it is sterile. If you do receive tattoos/piercings outside of sterile shops test for Hepatitis C.

Get Tested

While testing will not prevent a Hep C. infection, testing can let you know if you are infected.