According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3.2 million people in the United States are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is also common in people living with HIV-between 25 and 33 percent of all HIV-positive people in the United States are coinfected. POZ wants to know what you know about hepatitis C and to find out if you've been tested and/or treated for the virus.
Exposure to infected blood in health care settings A mosquito bite Sharing a needle or works to inject drugs Sharing food with someone infected with HCV Being born to a mother with HCV Sharing personal care items, such as razors or toothbrushes Getting a piercing or tattoo using unsterile equipment Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992 Having sexual contact with someone infected with HCV
Yes No Not sure
My health care provider suggested I get tested I asked to be tested I was notified by a blood/tissue donation organization or a public health official saying that I might be infected Other:
I do not believe I am at risk for HCV infection The test was never offered to me I don't want to be tested Other:
Yes No (skip to question 13)
Less than 1 year ago 1 to 5 years ago 6 to 10 years ago More than 10 years ago
Yes No
I haven’t discussed treatment with my health care provider My health care provider told me I don’t need to be treated I cannot be treated because of another medical condition I am worried about the side effects of treatment I cannot afford the cost of treatment I am waiting for new medications to become available Other:
Primary care physician (NOT a specialist) Infectious disease specialist Gastroenterologist Hepatologist Other:
My health care provider Friends and family The Internet Magazines or books Hepatitis newsletters Hepatitis support groups A national or local organization
Male Female Transgender Other
Straight Gay/Lesbian Bisexual Other
American Indian or Alaska Native Arab or Middle Eastern Asian Black or African American Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander White Other: (please specify)