Hepatitis C Home Test Kit

Published on January 2017 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 23 | Comments: 0 | Views: 164
of 2
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content

Hepatitis C Home Test Kit Do you have Hepatitis C ? Many people do not even know what it is. The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is known as a silent killer because it can be present for many years without symptoms. There are estimated to be at least 3-4 million people in the United States who do not know they are infected with Hep C. Some estimates put that number closer to 10 million. 15% of patients who contract the virus will clear it but 85% will go on to have a chronic condition that will last many years. The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a contagious blood-bourne pathogen that primarily effects the liver. The liver is a large, reddish brown glandular organ located in the upper right area of the abdominal cavity. It is about the size of a football. It secretes bile and performs several important functions in the human body. It filters all the blood that goes through the body. It extracts proteins and nutrients from the intestinal tract and synthesizes vitamins and it processes triglycerides and cholesterol, clotting components and much more to keep the body in balance. Go Get Tested Now ! Here's how it destroys the liver: HCV contains RNA or ribonucleic acid as the genetic material in its core. This is surrounded by a fatty envelope. The virus enters the body and circulates in the bloodstream and attaches to cells in the liver. The virus then releases the RNA into the healthy cells replicating itself over and over again and begins the cycle over by infecting other healthy liver cells. Over time the liver will begin to fail and most functions will shut down as the damage to the cells increases. Then the symptoms of Hepatitis C will begin to show. Some signs that the disease has progressed are: jaundice (bilirubin elevation - yellowing of the eyes and skin) , mild fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, nausea and vomitting and abdominal pain. Some later stage symptoms may include edema (water pooling) of the lower extremities and blood clotting problems. HCV progresses slowly over time causing scarring of the liver known as cirrhosis and can also cause liver cancer in the later stages of the disease. There are some factors that will impact the disease and cause it's progression and they include the use of tobacco, drugs and alcohol, being male, obesity, increased age and added complications of HIV or Hepatitis B virus if they are also present. On the other hand there are some factors that will slow the progression of the disease and those treatments include: losing weight, eliminating the use of tobacco, drugs and alcohol, use of medications (long-acting Interferon and Ribavirin). Treatment with medication takes between 6 - 12 months and has a cure rate of about 50%. (According to Dr. Lorenzo Rossaro / Chief, G.I. and Hepatology Div. of UC Davis). When all else fails and the chronic disease has progressed to the point where the liver can no longer service the body, a liver transplant would be the last option. Who is at risk for HCV ? * Blood products for clotting problems produced before 1987 (i.e. Hemophilia) 90% * Illegal drug use when sharing needles, straws, spoons, etc with infected persons 80% * Long term kidney dialysis (10%) * Blood transfusion or solid organ transplant prior to July 1992 * Baby born to HCV Positive Mother

* Tattoos and Body Piercings with unsterile needles * Sharing a razor or toothbrush with infected person If you think you have ever been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus you can go get tested now ! It is easy and can be done in the privacy and convenience of your own home. Get peace of mind today. Get Your Home Test Kit for HCV Here!

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close