What You Should Know About Hepatitis C

• Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus.
• Infection with Hepatitis C can be very serious.
• Many people who have Hepatitis C do not look or feel sick and may have no symptoms for 20 or more years.
• Hepatitis C is spread through infected blood.
• Many people get Hepatitis C by sharing needles or works to inject (shoot) drugs.
• Mothers with Hepatitis C can pass it to the baby during birth.
• It is possible to spread Hepatitis C during sex without a condom.
• Only a blood test can tell you if you have Hepatitis C.

Get tested! This can be done by making an appointment with your doctor. There is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C but it can be treated.
 
 

If You Have Hepatitis C

• Follow up with a doctor.
• Get Hepatitis A and B shots to help protect your liver.
• Don't share personal care items like toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers (anything that could have your blood on it), with anyone.
• If you shoot drugs, try to stop! If you still use, get a new syringe every time you shoot up and NEVER share needles or the works!
• Wash your hands before and after helping another person shoot up.

There are many excellent local and national resources where you can gather accurate information about Hepatitis C. Be sure to always get information from a reputable source and most importantly talk with your physician.

Helpful Resources

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  • Call the 211 Help line for local referral information or visit the Cortland 211 website.
  • Call the Cortland County Health Department to speak with a nurse at 607-753-5203.
  • Check out Help4Hep a support website where you can chat with peers and people who have been affected by Hepatitis C
  • Contact Hep C Connection at 800-522-HEPC (4372) or check out Hep C Connection, a Hepatitis C information, support and awareness resource for people with HCV and their families.
  • Call the Center for Disease Control and Prevention hepatitis information line at 1-888-4HEPCDC or check out the CDC Hepatitis information webpage.
  • Check out the American Liver Foundation website.
  • Check out the Hep C Forward Motion website.
  • Check out the Hep C Hope website.

These are suggested resources only and not officially endorsed by the Cortland County Health Department. Information found online or through help links should never replace the medical advice received from a physician or medical provider who know you and your specific circumstances.