Hepatitis C: Military-Related Blood Exposures, Risk Factors, VA Care

There has been considerable interest expressed by veterans and organizations representing them concerning the possible relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and immunization with jet injectors (air gun injection) or other military-related blood exposures. Although there have been no case reports of hepatitis C being transmitted by a jet gun injection, it is biologically plausible.

Any veteran enrolled in the VA health care system who has concerns about hepatitis C infection, because of jet gun injectors, other blood exposure during military service, any of several risk factors, or for any other reason, is welcome and encouraged to request testing for hepatitis C at his or her nearest VA hospital.

A number of factors help predict whether a person is at risk of hepatitis C; this doesn't mean these factors cause the disease, just that they are tend to occur more often in those with the disease than those without it.

VA recommends testing for anyone who

	Wishes to be tested
	Has ever used a needle to inject drugs, even if once and long ago
	Had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
	Is a health care worker who had contact with blood on the job
	Was on long-term kidney dialysis
	Was born of a mother who had hepatitis C at the time
	Is a Vietnam-era veteran
	Had exposure to blood on the skin
	Has tattoos or body piercings
	Has ever snorted cocaine
	Has liver disease
	Has a history of drinking a lot of alcohol
	Has had an abnormal liver function test

If a veteran does test positive for hepatitis C, VA has tremendous expertise to care for him or her. In fact, VA cares for more individuals with hepatitis C than any other health care system in the country. For hepatitis C-positive veterans who enroll in VA medical care, VA offers:

	Excellent patient education and professional education that both empowers the veteran and enables his or her health care provider to stay current with the latest disease management information
	All medications that can help hepatitis C or its complications, via the VA formulary
	A multifaceted team approach to care, with different specialists working together to help patients
	Dedicated professionals who take advantage of VA continuing medical education on the latest approaches to hepatitis C care
	Patient education via brochures, supports groups, education programs, and Web-based resources that helps patients be part of the care team

Much more information is available on this Web site. To find your local VA medical center, call the VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000 or visit the Web at www.va.gov/directory