Hepatitis C Quiz

Answer: False

While hepatitis C causes some liver disease in almost everyone who has it, the disease is usually not severe. People with hepatitis C need to see a doctor often to check the health of their liver.

Answer: False

It is true that if you share needles or works to inject drugs, or if the needle you use isn't brand new, you can get hepatitis C. But that isn't the only way you can get hepatitis C. Some others include

• if you had a blood transfusion before 1992
• if you were on long-term kidney dialysis
• if you were a health care worker and had contact with blood on the job
• if your mother had hepatitis C when she gave birth to you
• if you have had multiple sexual partners
• if you have had tattoos or body piercings

Answer: True

You can have hepatitis C for many years and not feel sick or have any symptoms at all. Or you might mistake your symptoms for something else. The only way your doctor can tell if you have hepatitis C is to test your blood.

Answer: False

Hepatitis C is not spread through food or water. It is mainly spread through blood. Hepatitis A, which is caused by a different virus than hepatitis C, is spread through dirty food and water. Because hepatitis C is spread through blood, you don't have to worry about getting it from a sneeze, hug, cough, food, water, or from sharing eating utensils, sharing drinking glasses, or having other casual contact.

Answer: True

There are lots of things you can do to protect yourself from getting hepatitis C. The most important is to avoid other people's blood or things that might have other people's blood on them. Here are some suggestions:

• Don't inject drugs. If you can't stop, use a clean needle every time, and never share your needle or works with anyone else. Ask your doctor how you can stop using drugs.
• Practice safer sex. Use a latex barrier, such as a condom (or rubber) every time you have sex. Talk with your sex partner(s) about hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted diseases. See Sex & Sexuality
• If you are a health care worker, follow standard precautions. Handle needles and other sharps safely. Report every needle stick or other injury on the job to your supervisor.
• Don't share personal items that might have blood on them. These include razors, toothbrushes, and personal medical supplies.
• Talk to your doctor about hepatitis C.

Your doctor can provide you with more information about how to protect yourself from hepatitis C infection.

Answer: True

Doctors are trying to find a vaccine (or shot) that will keep you from getting hepatitis C. There are vaccines from other kinds of hepatitis. Ask your doctor for more information.

Answer: True

Any veteran can get tested for hepatitis C. The test is very simple and you can find out the results within a week or two. Call your local VA medical center for an appointment.

Answer: True