There are in fact five different types of viral Hepatitis, but of these, the type known as Hepatitis C is the greatest threat. Unlike many other forms of Hepatitis, there is no vaccine against Hepatitis C. More than 4 million Americans, and perhaps as many as 200 million people around the world, are currently infected with Hepatitis C. More than 80% of those who get Hepatitis C will have the infection for life if it is not treated. Many will develop chronic, life threatening liver disease.

Hepatitis C already infects three times more people than does AIDS. It is responsible for more than one-third of all liver transplants. And by the turn of the century, it will kill far more people than AIDS each year...,

Prior to 1990, there were no tests for Hepatitis C, and the risk of infection from a blood transfusion was between 8% and 10%. Anyone who has received a blood transfusion prior to that time is at risk for having been infected and should be tested.

Other risk factors include I.V. drug use, snorting cocaine, needle-stick injuries in health care, as well as tattooing and body piercing. Virtually any exposure to blood can transmit this virus. We are not as sure about transmission by sexual activity with infected partners, and contact with household members infected with Hepatitis C. Perhaps about 13% of all infections are passed this way....,

Thank you Dr. C. E. Koop

For an unabridged copy of this article please go to, www.epidemic.org