32920 Hepatitis C Infection

Course overview

Discussion of hepatitis C (HCV) infection, including an overview of the different types of hepatitis, risk factors, signs and symptoms, and modes of transmission for HCV, differences between chronic and acute HCV infection, and treatment options for people with hepatitis C. HCV is a serious public health problem, and it is estimated that 2.4 million people in the United States are living with HCV. In 2017, 17,253 death certificates had HCV listed as an underlying or contributing cause of death; however, this is a conservative estimate. There is currently no vaccination available for HCV, and there is no effective pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis available. In approximately 75-85% of cases, HCV infection becomes a chronic infection. Because HCV is transmitted primarily through parenteral exposures to infectious blood or body fluids that contain blood, it is crucial for nurses and other healthcare workers to have a solid understanding of HCV and safe practices to avoid HCV transmission. This program discusses HCV, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, testing recommendations, acute vs. chronic HCV, health outcomes, and treatment options.