Facts and Figures

Hepatitis C is more common than HIV. It is estimated that about 4 million people in the United States are infected with hepatitis C, which is about 2% of the population. This makes hepatitis C much more common than HIV infection. In the early 1990s, about 2.7 million Americans had chronic hepatitis C infection, which means they could not get rid of the virus on their own. This number is expected to increase to 10.8 million in the next 10 to 12 years. Each year, there are about 35,000 new cases of acute hepatitis C.

Groups at Highest Risk for HCV. Chronic hepatitis C infection is more common in certain groups, such as the homeless, Vietnam War veterans, the prison population, and hemophiliacs. The incidence is high in these groups because they are more likely to have the risk factors associated with hepatitis C. The highest rates of HCV infection are among IV drug users-70% to 90% of IV drug users have HCV infection.

Veterans are at Higher Risk for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is more common in veterans than in the general population, particularly among Vietnam War veterans. Of 325,000 veterans tested for HCV from 1998 through 2000 as part of a national screening program, 20%, or 65,000, were found to be HCV positive.

If you are a veteran and think you might be at risk for hepatitis C, ask your doctor about being tested for hepatitis C. In some cases, the diagnosis can be related to military duty, and treatment may be covered by Veterans Administration benefits.

Hemophiliacs have Higher Risk Factor

Hemophiliacs are at higher risk than the general population for all blood borne infections because they regularly receive blood transfusions and blood products such as clotting factor. In 1987, all blood banks began using procedures to keep viruses out of the blood supply. These procedures have largely eliminated receipt of blood products as a source of HCV infection. However, hemophiliacs who received factor concentrate before this time may be at high risk for hepatitis C.

Homeless can be at Risk for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is very common in the homeless population due to the presence of hepatitis C risk factors such as injection drug use and high-risk sexual behavior. For example, a study of homeless adults in the Los Angeles area found that 22% were infected with HCV, a rate substantially higher than the national average.

Inmates are at Risk for Hepatitis C

The rate of hepatitis C infection is higher in the prison population than in the general population, with estimates ranging from 28% to 67%. This statistic is probably because injection drug use is very common among those who are in prison. In fact, about 80% of the nation's estimated 1.7 million IV drug users have been through the prison system. And 80% of those currently in prison admit to having used illegal drugs; about 1 in 4 have injected illegal drugs.

HIV and Hepatitis C

About one third of people with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), primarily those who acquired HIV through injection drug use or through a blood transfusion, are also infected with the hepatitis C virus. Because hepatitis C infection can become serious very quickly in HIV-positive people, they should be tested for HCV.

You can turn to The Be In Charge® Program for a vast amount of additional information and support as you manage your hepatitis C treatment. Sign up now for this tremendous support tool.

To get started, please choose one of the following:   I have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, but haven't started treatment yet I am on treatment for hepatitis C     * Note: If you or someone you know may be at risk for hepatitis C, please visit www.peg-intron.com See Instructions   Select one of the choices above and click "Next"

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