Am I At Risk?


















There is strength in knowing

Find out if you or someone you know has any of the primary risk factors for
hepatitis C infection by reviewing the common risk factors listed below. You may
want to print out this list and take it with you to your doctor's appointment to
discuss your risk for hepatitis C.

Print this page

Common Risk Factors for Hepatitis C

I received a blood transfusion(s) and/or a solid organ transplant (eg,
kidney, liver, or heart) before July 1992.
I was treated for blood-clotting problems with a blood product made before
1987.
I am on long-term kidney dialysis.
I have had exposure to blood products from medical procedures (eg, patients
with hemophilia, solid organ transplants, chronic renal failure, or who are
undergoing chemotherapy).
I have had contact with blood in the workplace (eg, healthcare workers,
police personnel, and firefighters).
I have used recreational drugs that are injected with a needle (eg, heroin),
even once, many years ago and/or shared straws while inhaling cocaine.
I have engaged in sexual behaviors that are considered high-risk, such as
anal sex, have had multiple partners, and/or have ever had a sexually
transmitted disease (STD).
I have had a tattoo and/or body piercing.
I live with a person who is infected with HCV and have shared items such as
nail clippers, razors, or toothbrushes that might have had blood on them.

If you have any of these risk factors:
You should talk to your doctor or nurse. He or she may perform appropriate tests
to determine whether you are infected with HCV. Remember, even if you are at
higher risk for hepatitis C, you may not necessarily have the virus. However, it
is important that you get tested to find out.

If you do not have any of these risk factors:
These risk factors account for most hepatitis C infections; however, up to 10%
of cases have not been traced to these risk factors. If you are still concerned
about hepatitis C even though you do not have any of these common risk factors,
you should talk to your doctor or nurse.




Sandra Tara Balduf (Ane)

Frontline Hepatitis Awareness

Support for patients and educational materials

http://frontline-hepatitis-awareness.com

1-866-Hep-GoGo 866-437-4646




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]