[cs_content][cs_section parallax="false" separator_top_type="none" separator_top_height="50px" separator_top_angle_point="50" separator_bottom_type="none" separator_bottom_height="50px" separator_bottom_angle_point="50" style="margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][cs_text]One of many reasons why a first responder needs to have proper personal protection equipment (PPE). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a significant upward trend with Hepatitis C infections. The CDC has claimed that Hepatitis C infections have almost tripled in the last five years. This has been a fifteen year high according to new preliminary surveillance data released by the CDC.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level="h2" looks_like="h3" accent="false"]What is Hepatitis C (HCV) [/x_custom_headline][cs_text]Hepatitis C is a bloodborne pathogen with a virulent cause of liver disease, and about 10000 people die each year from HCV. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, but treatment is available. Diagnosis of HCV is difficult because the symptoms are vague. Most people who are infected with HCV can experience the following symptoms.
[/cs_text][cs_text]HCV contracted through sexual contact or needle sharing. The later is common through the current opioid epidemic. According to the CDC, needle exchange is the most common way HCV is transmitted through this sobering statistic.
New hepatitis C virus infections are increasing most rapidly among young people, with the highest overall number of new infections among 20- to 29-year-olds. This is primarily a result of increasing injection drug use associated with America’s growing opioid epidemic.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level="h2" looks_like="h3" accent="false"]How to protect yourself from HCV[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]In the work environment, your company should provide you with proper personal protective equipment PPE, which requires by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA. What each needs to be aware of is they need to prepare at all times. If we think ahead, we can protect ourselves from HCV by having gloves and PPE in places for our protection. The Beating Heart Center will show you the easiest way to protect yourself from HCV.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]
