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National Post
History
Kudos
Pink Flamingo
HEPATITUS C SOCIETY
PETITION
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| THE HEPATITUS C SOCIETY OF CANADA |
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| The Hepatitis C Society of Canada What it is and how it helps |
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| Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that infects and can seriously damage the liver. Testing was first available in 1990. Those most at risk include people who received blood transfusions prior to the onset of screening for the virus in 1990, people exposed to contaminated needles (through tattooing, acupuncture, IV drug use or inoculations in developing countries), and health-care workers. But the source of infection is simply unknown for 15 to 40 per cent of sufferers. It is estimated that up to two per cent of the Canadian population carry the Hep C virus. Hep C is still a mystery virus. Many of those infected do not get sick, or feel ill only for a brief time, but up to 85 per cent will develop chronic hepatitis. Chronic Hep C can lead to liver disease, including cirrhosis, (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. An estimated 20 per cent of people with chronic hepatitis will develop cirrhosis, the seventh leading cause of death in Canada. Symptoms of chronic Hep C, which may not appear for a long time after the initial infection, include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), nausea, muscle and joint pain, skin irritations and hair loss. In more serious cases, loss of liver function leads to build-up of toxins in the blood. Early signs of this may include unresponsiveness, forgetfulness, trouble concentration or sleeping. Weight loss and water retention may occur. The only treatment currently approved for Hep C is a combination of Interferon and Rebetron. Interferon is an artificial version of a natural product of the body that interferes with virus reproduction. The combination treatment is effective for approximately 48 per cent of patients. This treatment suppresses the virus; it does not eliminate it. Hep C is spread through contact with blood. Standard methods of avoiding exposure to other people’s blood should be followed, such as avoiding sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, and other personal hygiene items. It’s estimated that the possibility of contracting the disease through sexual transmission is up to four per cent for those with prolonged exposure to an infected person. The mission of the Hepatitis C Society of Canada is support, education and advocacy. Many who are infected with Hepatitis C have experienced isolation, uncertainty and fear about the future. HeCSC members have found that the support and experience-sharing of others with Hep C helps to overcome that sense of isolation. There are now approximately 45 Chapters and Telephone Support Contacts of the Society formed or that are in the process of forming across Canada. HeCSC compiles and makes available educational materials concerning Hep C to members of the general public, the medical community, policy makers, and its own membership. Those who have Hep C need as much information as possible about the disease if they are to manage their daily lives effectively. Every Canadian must know of the scope of the problem and preventive measures if the spread of Hep C is to be stopped. HeCSC is in dialogue with public health officials and government representatives about Hep C issues, including the equality of access to disability pension plans, fair treatment from employers, increased research, availability of treatment and needed improvements to the security of Canada’ blood supply. Compensation is being demanded and sought for those who developed Hep C through tainted blood. |
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