Hepatitis C, Causes and Risk Factors
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). About 1.5 of the U.S. population is infected with HCV. The following are most at risk:
- Patients who have been on long-term kidney dialysis
- Healthcare workers or those who have regular contact with blood
- Those who have unprotected sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis C (this is a less common means of infection, but the risk is higher for those who have many sex partners, already have a sexually transmitted disease, or are infected with HIV)
- Someone who has shared a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
- Received a blood transfusion before July 1992
- Received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
- Was tattooed or had accupuncture with contaminated instruments (most licensed, commercial tattoo facilities carry a low risk)
- A less common risk is sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors with someone who has hepatitis C
- Born to a mother who was infected with HCV, 1 of 20 babies with infected mothers are infected. (Less common than with hepatitis B)
Hepatitis C has an acute and chronic form. Most people who are infected with the virus develop chronic hepatitis C.
If you suffer from Hepatitis C you may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial at JBR Clinical Research. Visit our website to see if you qualify.
JeanBrownResearch is a Salt Lake City based clinical trial research organization, specializing in pain management and diabetic studies, among other types of clinical trials. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
