Hepatitis C FAQ. Book 1.
The Basics

HepCBC - HEPV-L, Febuary 2012

Part 1: Hepatitis C Facts

• 1.0.1 What is Hepatitis?
• 1.0.2 What Are the Different Types of Hepatitis?
• 1.0.3 What Happens in the Body?
• 1.0.4 What is the Incubation Period?
• 1.0.5 How does Hepatitis C Usually begin?
• 1.0.6 What is the Function of the Liver?
• 1.0.7 Hepatitis C (HCV)
• 1.0.7a When was Hepatitis C Discovered?
• 1.0.8 Who gets Hepatitis?
• 1.0.9 How is it Transmitted?
• 1.0.9a How is it NOT Transmitted?
• 1.1.0 HCV and Blood Transfusion
• 1.1.1 HCV and Intravenous Drug Use
• 1.1.2 HCV and IV Immunoglobulin
• 1.1.3 Neonatal Transfer of HCV
• 1.1.4 Other Means of HCV Transmission
• 1.1.4a Sexual Transmission
• 1.1.4b Occupational Exposure (Health Care Workers)
• 1.1.4c Toothbrushes/Razors/Nail Clippers
• 1.1.4d Hemodialysis
• 1.1.5 Highly Speculative Modes of Transmission
• 1.1.5a Tears, Saliva, Urine, Other Body Fluids
• 1.1.5b Cat Scratches
• 1.1.5c Mosquitoes
• 1.1.5d Alternative Medical Procedures
• 1.1.5e Household Transmission
• 1.1.5f Unknown Causes
• 1.1.5g Is HCV Anything Like HIV?
• 1.1.6 Prevention
• 1.1.6a When and How Long Can it be Spread?
• 1.1.6b How Can the Spread of HCV be Prevented?
• 1.1.6c Cleaning Up Blood Spills
• 1.1.6d What to do in Case of an Accidental Needlestick
• 1.1.7 Whom Should I Tell?
• 1.1.8 Can You Get Hepatitis More Than Once?

Part 2: Medical issues

• 2.0.1 How Do I Find Good Medical Care for Hepatitis
• 2.0.2 Hepatologists and Gastroenterologists (see Appendix D for regional list)
• 2.1.0 How is it Diagnosed?
• 2.1.1 Antibody Tests
• 2.1.2 What is a PCR?
• 2.1.2a What is a Genotype?
• 2.1.2b The IL28B Test
• 2.1.3 Could the Test Results be Wrong?
• 2.2.0 Biopsy
• 2.2.0a What is a Liver Biopsy
• 2.2.0b What are the Dangers of Liver Biopsy?
• 2.2.0c Will it Hurt?
• 2.2.1 Chronic Active and Chronic Persistent
• 2.2.2 What Are the Main Symptoms of HCV?
• 2.2.2a Fatigue
• 2.2.2b Right-Side Pain
• 2.2.2c Loss of Libido
• 2.2.2d Red Palms
• 2.2.2e Nausea
• 2.2.2f Brain Fog (Confusion/Forgetfulness)
• 2.2.2g Itching
• 2.2.2h Vision Problems
• 2.2.2i Dizziness
• 2.2.2j Dry mouth
• 2.3.0 It’s Not All In Your Head!
• 2.3.1 What is the Evolution of the Disease?
• 2.4.0 What Other Medical Problems Are Related to HCV?
• 2.4.0a Cryoglobulinemia
• 2.4.0b Thyroid and Autoimmune Problems
• 2.4.0c Rheumatoid Arthritis-Like Symptoms
• 2.4.0d Fibromyalgia
• 2.4.0e Dermatological Manifestations
• 2.4.0f Porphyrins
• 2.4.0g Lichen Planus
• 2.4.0h Peripheral Neuropathy
• 2.5.0 Cycles and Flare-ups
• 2.6.0 Should I be Vaccinated Against Other Types?
• 2.7.0 HCV and Women’s Concerns
• 2.7.1 How Does HCV Relate to Pregnancy?
• 2.8.0 How Does HCV Affect Children?
• 2.9.0 What Are the Different Clinical Indications?
• 2.9.1 Elevated Liver Enzymes
• 2.9.1a Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels
• 2.9.2 Jaundice
• 2.9.3 Hepatomegaly/Splenomegaly
• 2.9.4 Spider Nevi
• 2.9.5 Ascites
• 2.9.6 Portal Hypertension/Varices
• 2.9.7 Hepatic Encephalopathy
• 2.9.8 Cirrhosis
• 2.9.9 Fulminant Hepatitis
• 2.9.10 Does HCV Increase the Likelihood of Cancer?
• 2.10.0 How Many of Us Are There?
• 2.11.0 Long-Term Prognosis (Am I Going to Die?)

Book 2. The Treatment.

Book 3. Living with HCV.