How Common it is
An estimated 25,000 new cases each year; estimated 3.9 million (1.8%) Americans have been infected, of whom 2.7 million are chronically infected and 70% develop chronic liver disease. Death from chronic liver disease is less than 3%.

How you catch it
Persons at risk for Hepatitis C virus infection might also be at risk for infection with Hepatitis B virus or HIV. Virus spread through blood or body fluids. IV drug use thought to account for half of all new infections. Other risks: a job involving exposure to blood, blood transfusion before 1990 (after that, blood was tested). Possible risks: unprotected sex; sharing needles, toothbrushes, razors with infected person; tattooing; piercing; manicures.

How to prevent it
There is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C.

How it affects you
80% of persons have no signs or symptoms. Infection is much more likely than Hepatitis B to become chronic. Hepatitis C is currently a leading reason for liver transplants in this country. Interferon and Ribavirin are two drugs licensed for treatment of persons with chronic Hepatitis C.