There are 5 types of viral Hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. The type that affects the most people is Hepatitis C. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 3.2 million people in the United States have chronic Hepatitis C, and most are unaware of their infection. It is estimated that about 17,000 Americans become infected each year. The word Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that results from infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus. This virus is usually spread when infected blood enters the body. Most people become infected through the sharing of needles or other drug injecting paraphernalia. Patients who had blood transfusions or organ transplants prior to 1992 may also be at risk for Hepatitis C. In this program, we will look at the latest research surrounding this disease, and hear from Hepatitis C patients who reveal their treatment journeys through this often-frightening disease.
