Hepatitis C: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment

Reviews

Hepatitis C is the most common bloodborne infection in the United States, much more common than HIV. In terms of the public’s awareness however, it is close to nonexistent. The physical manifestations of the illness, or lack thereof, contribute to its invisibility since many infected with the virus are unaware of it until the disease advances to the point of liver damage and even cancer. This short film seeks to raise awareness about the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of “Hep C” particularly among young people, the group with the fastest growing rate of infection.

The film is well-organized with attractive graphics to increase interest as well as interviews with a variety of young people. The only minor flaw is that, considering the target audience of students, the case study segment features a mature woman with Hep C. Although she notes in her history that she began using IV drugs (a major risk factor for the disease) at the age of 12, it might have been a more appropriate model for the student viewers if a younger person were interviewed. Nonetheless, this film is likely to impress young viewers about the scope of Hep C and the means to prevent it. Recommended.  

—Kay Hogan Smith, University of Alabama at Birmingham Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences
Education Media Reviews Online (EMRO)

Hepatitis C could be labeled a sleeper condition, as it is not regularly discussed and does not receive much media attention, yet it is four times more common than HIV. The word hepatitis means liver inflammation, an ailment that can affect more than 500 vital functions in the human body. Hepatitis C is transmitted from one person to another in much the same way as HIV: unprotected sexual contact, the sharing needles for intravenous drug use or when getting tattoos, sharing razors or toothbrushes, or any blood-to-blood transmission. Unfortunately, because the liver does not have nerve endings, one may never know he has the virus until symptoms of cirrhosis or cancer emerge. This program explains how hepatitis C is contracted, how to avoid it, how to get tested for it, and positive news about the latest treatments. The program is narrated by a young actor, with supplemental testimony from a hepatitis C survivor and Dr. Marvin Chinitz, a liver specialist. The PDF guide includes learning objectives, student activities, discussion questions, fact sheets, and more. The program could alert high school students that the danger of hepatitis C can be avoided with the same precautions recommended for preventing HIV infection and venereal diseases. VERDICT A valuable addition to health class curriculum.

–Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA
School Library Journal

Recommended.  Hosted by Francisco Ramirez, this short documentary offers a crash course on the most common virus in the United States: Hepatitis C, also known as Hep C and HCV, which causes inflammation of the liver, an organ that normally fights infection, strains out toxins, and stores vitamins. Modern science offers a vaccination against Hepatitis A and B, but none yet exists for Hepatitis C. Fortunately, for some the virus simply goes away, but for many others it’s a chronic condition. Afflicted individuals often don’t even realize they have Hepatitis C, which is four times more common than HIV. Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and jaundice, while scarring from liver damage can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis (often requiring a liver transplant), and cancer. While alcoholism can lead to Hepatitis C, blood-to-blood transmission through sexual contact or the sharing of needles represents the most common cause (on the plus side, blood transfusions are no longer a danger since blood is now tested for the virus). Serving up solid preventative tips (such as the use of condoms), this health guidance title also tells the personal story of Katie, a former drug user with liver damage. Thanks to proper treatment, Katie has received a second chance, although her best friend, who refused treatment, wasn’t as fortunate. Extras include a PDF curriculum guide

–K. Fennessy
Video Librarian