Hepatitis C

Simple Definition: Hep C comes from the Hep C Virus. You get the Hep C Virus from infected blood. Millions have it and most don’t know it. Treatment works half the time for some and barely for everyone else. Blacks and Hispanics are more affected than everyone else. Leaders and studies from these cultures on a ground level are rare so any change is slow in comin’ Complicated Definition: A disease caused by the Hepatitis C Virus, which specifically attacks functions of the liver, this is a strain of Hepatitis that does not have a cure or vaccine. Hepatitis C is contracted from infected blood and blood products that are transferred to the bodily fluid of the uninfected victim. Current “blood bridges” such as a razor, toothbrush, nail files, incorrectly or not sterilized piercing or tattoo tool or the draw from a reused ink cartridge, unclean or not sterilized syringe or the draw from a reused vial are also included infection vessels. Approximately 5 million people in the United States are known to carry the virus more than half do not realize they are infected due to the fact 80% of victims show no sign or symptom until liver functions are disrupted. Treatment exists and is successful approximately 50% of the time for Caucasian, genotype-one patients. People of African, Hispanic, Latino and Mexican decent respond to treatment approximately 30% of the time. Same affected cultures are also highly afflicted perhaps due to lack of active advocacy from cultural leaders along with sparse study participation.