Communicable Diseases

How does hepatitis C spread from person-to-person?

• HCV is spread when the blood of a person infected with HCV gets into the bloodstream of another person.
  • Possible transmission routes include:
    • Sharing needles.
    • Sharing personal items (such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, and glucose monitoring systems).
    • Receiving unregulated tattoos or piercings.
    • Needle stick accidents.
    • Through high-risk sexual behaviors.

Can a person spread hepatitis C without having symptoms?

• If you are infected with HCV, you can spread it to others even if you feel fine and have no symptoms.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C infection?

• The majority of people newly infected with HCV do not have symptoms. People who experience symptoms will typically start to feel sick 2-12 weeks after exposure to HCV. Symptoms can include:
  • Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
  • Not wanting to eat.
  • Upset stomach.
  • Throwing up.
  • Stomach pain.
  • Fever.
  • Dark-colored urine.
  • Light-colored stool.
  • Joint pain.
  • Feeling tired.

Who should get tested?

• The CDC recommends testing if you:
  • Are 18 years of age and older (get tested at least once in your lifetime).
  • Are pregnant (get tested during each pregnancy).
  • Currently inject drugs (get tested regularly).
  • Have ever injected drugs, even if it was just once or many years ago?
  • Have HIV.
  • Have abnormal liver tests or liver disease.
  • Are on hemodialysis.
  • Received donated blood or organs before July 1992.
  • Received clotting factor concentrates before 1987.
  • Have been exposed to blood from a person who has hepatitis C.
  • Were born to a mother with hepatitis C.
    
    

How do I know if I have hepatitis C?

• The only way you can know if you have HCV is to be tested. A blood test is necessary to determine if you have HCV. There are two types of blood tests: HCV antibody test and HCV RNA/NAT.
• If you have a nonreactive or negative antibody test, that means you have never been infected with hepatitis C.
• If you have a reactive or positive antibody test, that means you have been infected with hepatitis C virus at some point.
  • If the antibody test is reactive, you will need an additional test to determine if you currently have hepatitis C. This test is called a nucleic acid test (NAT) for HCV RNA. It is also a blood test. A negative HCV RNA test result means that you were infected with hepatitis C virus, but the virus is no longer present in your body because you have either been cured or spontaneously cleared the virus naturally.
  • A positive HCV RNA means that you have the virus in your blood. This means you have an active infection.

What to expect when getting tested for hepatitis C?

• Hepatitis C testing involves either a simple fingerstick or blood draw.
• The type of testing available will depend on the clinic.
• Rapid results can show results in as little as 20 minutes.
• Traditional testing methods may take several days to a few weeks to get results.

Where can I be tested for hepatitis C?

• You can request testing to be done with your healthcare provider.
• Initial screening tests are available at the health department by appointment only.
  • Screening tests are $35.  Please call 214-819-2004 to schedule your appointment.
• Online Resources
  • FindHelp: https://www.findhelp.org/
  • Hepatitis C Testing Locations: https://gettested.cdc.gov/search_results?location=dallas

Can hepatitis C be treated?

• Yes! Hepatitis C treatment is very effective and can be as simple as taking one pill daily for 2-3 months. Most people have little to no side effects from treatment medication. Speak with your healthcare provider if you are interested in starting treatment.
• FindHelp: https://www.findhelp.org/

Is there a vaccine that can prevent hepatitis C?

• Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.

How can I protect myself from getting hepatitis C?

• The best way to prevent hepatitis C is to avoid behaviors that can spread the virus. You can help prevent hepatitis C transmission by:
  • Practicing safe sex with a condom.
  • Not sharing toothbrushes, razors, or items that can break skin.
  • Using sterile syringes and injection equipment to prepare and inject steroids, hormones, and other substances.
  • Using sterilized equipment for tattoos and piercings.
  • Wearing gloves if you must touch anyone else’s blood.

How do I report hepatitis C cases to the health department?

• General Reporting Form
• Acute hepatitis C is a notifiable condition in the state of Texas. Please send all hepatitis related labs and medical records to our secure fax: 214-875-2580
• Communicable Diseases Email: Epidemiology@dallascounty.org