The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common bloodborne infection in the United States. It is also one of the most important causes of chronic liver disease. Nearly 4 million Americans, or 1.8% of the population, are chronically infected with the disease, resulting in an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 deaths annually. Nurses encounter patients infected with HCV in a variety of healthcare settings. Many are actively involved in providing either inpatient or outpatient care for HCV infected persons, which places them at risk for exposure to HCV infected blood through needlestick and sharps injury.

The information contained in this program will enhance your knowledge of this pervasive threat to public health, and provide you with the information you need to educate patients and to practice safely. Video running time: 5O minutes (3 contact hours), includes learning guide.

• Learn the definition of hepatitis and hepatitis C
• Examine how the virus affects liver function
• Review the natural history and discovery of the virus
• Examine modes of transmissions
• Learn the signs and symptoms and populations at risk for exposure
• Examine the stigma associated with HCV infection