THE MOST COMMON BLOOD-BORNE INFECTION
At
least 2.7 million Americans carry the hepatitis C virus, making it the most
common blood-borne infection in the United States, says one research report.
Hepatitis C is spread from person to person primarily by means of sexual
contact or through infested blood. Those most at risk of contracting the
disease are intravenous drug users who share needles.
People who engage in
unprotected sex, in this category the youth is the most at risk. Because the
youth are found to be complacent of the consequence of unprotected sex. They
tend to think they are young and free from any infection. Lack of enough
knowledge about sex among the youth also contributes the high incident of
hepatitis C and they become careless. The importance of
quality condoms cannot be overemphasizing.
The infection can also
spread, however, by tattooists and acupuncturists who do not properly clean their
equipment.
People who have received
blood transfusions are also at risk.
Every year, about 1000 people
in the United States receive liver transplants as a result of liver failure
caused by the virus.
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