Hepatitis C  Fact Sheet  from the New Mexico State Health Department

What is Viral Hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is a disease that attacks your liver, an important body organ that performs more than 5,000 functions every minute of every day to keep you alive, alert and healthy.

Is There More than One Type of Viral Hepatitis?

The three most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

How Can I Get Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood from someone who is infected. You could be at risk for getting it if you:

Share needles, injection equipment (works), razors or toothbrushes

Get a tattoo or body piercing with contaminated equipment

Had an organ transplant or blood transfusion before July 1992

How Long Does It Last?

Some people recover from hepatitis C after about six months, but most people develop a lifelong, chronic condition. Hepatitis C can cause liver damage, liver cancer and even death.

What Are the Warning Signs?

Most people do not have any symptoms

Light-colored bowel movements

Dark-colored urine

Yellowing skin or eyes

Flu-like symptoms including fever, stomach pain, vomiting or exhaustion

How Can I Avoid Getting Hepatitis C?

Don’t share needles, injection equipment (works), razors, or toothbrushes with anyone.

Have safer sex — use protection such as a latex condom.

Don’t get a tattoo or body piercing with contaminated equipment.

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

What If I Already Have Hepatitis C?

Get vaccinated for hepatitis A & B.

Avoid drinking alcohol — it makes the disease much worse.

Stop sharing needles or injection equipment (works).

Ask your doctor about available medical treatments.

Visit your doctor for a checkup every 6-12 months.

Get plenty of rest.

Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

It’s free and confidential.