According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) - “Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver; the most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Luckily for us in the U.S. and other developed countries, we can enjoy the benefits that exist, such as vaccines to help prevent Hepatitis A and B. Nevertheless, there is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C. So why is Hepatitis C so bad? The CDC defines Hepatitis C as a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver. It results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis C can be either “acute” or “chronic.” Those affected by hepatitis may have symptoms of dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, and/or jaundice (which is yellow color in the skin or eyes)

Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease that can result in many different long-term health problems such as: liver damage, liver failure, liver cancer, or even death. It is also the leading cause of cirrhosis, as well as liver cancer and the typical reason for liver transplantation in the United States.

According to the CDC the long-term effects of Hepatitis C:
Of every 100 people infected with the Hepatitis C virus, about
• 75–85 people will develop chronic Hepatitis C virus infection; of those,
o 60–70 people will go on to develop chronic liver disease
o 5–20 people will go on to develop cirrhosis over a period of 20–30 years
o 1–5 people will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer

Therefore, you should always get yourself checked out. At First Care of New York, we believe everyone’s health is important, which is why we have all our Certified Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides tested for Hepatitis, to provide you the peace of mind that you or your loved ones are getting the right health professionals in your home to provide safe care. If you or someone you know is having a difficulty with activities of daily living, please feel free to reach out to us and see how we can help. Or you can visit our website http://www.1st-care.org/