Class offered to learn about hepatitis C
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CRYSTAL LAKE – The McHenry County Department of Health will offer a free
class Monday for residents to learn more about hepatitis C.
The class will run from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia St. (intersection of Route 14 and Woodstock Street).
Reservations can be made with Melissa at 815-334-4500.
Topics will include how hepatitis C affects the liver and overall health, treatment options and associated side effects, talking to one’s doctor about treatment, how to stay healthier, and ways to avoid giving hepatitis C to others.
Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person.
Risk factors include receiving blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C; sharing needles or syringes to inject drugs; receiving a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July 1992; being a recipient of clotting factor(s) made before 1987; having ever been on long-term kidney dialysis; receiving body piercings or tattoos with nonsterile instruments; and suffering needle stick injuries in health care settings.
Hepatitis C is one of the most frequently reported diseases to the health department’s communicable disease program, with 72 cases reported in 2011, a decrease from the 110 cases reported in 2007.
In many cases, there are no symptoms until liver problems develop. Many people are unaware they have the disease until donating blood or having a specific blood test for hepatitis C.
For information about hepatitis C or to schedule an appointment, call 815-334-4500.
The class will run from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia St. (intersection of Route 14 and Woodstock Street).
Reservations can be made with Melissa at 815-334-4500.
Topics will include how hepatitis C affects the liver and overall health, treatment options and associated side effects, talking to one’s doctor about treatment, how to stay healthier, and ways to avoid giving hepatitis C to others.
Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person.
Risk factors include receiving blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C; sharing needles or syringes to inject drugs; receiving a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July 1992; being a recipient of clotting factor(s) made before 1987; having ever been on long-term kidney dialysis; receiving body piercings or tattoos with nonsterile instruments; and suffering needle stick injuries in health care settings.
Hepatitis C is one of the most frequently reported diseases to the health department’s communicable disease program, with 72 cases reported in 2011, a decrease from the 110 cases reported in 2007.
In many cases, there are no symptoms until liver problems develop. Many people are unaware they have the disease until donating blood or having a specific blood test for hepatitis C.
For information about hepatitis C or to schedule an appointment, call 815-334-4500.
