Causes of Hepatitis C

Causes of hepatitis c are many. "Often," says Steve Kobrin, LUTCF, "the exact causes of hepatitis c, for any particular hepatitis patient, are never conclusively proven."

What Causes Hepatitis C?

Every week, people with hepatitis c ask us for help in buying life insurance. Many, many Americans have this disease, and yet a large number are not quite sure what causes hepatitis c.

Let's look at some possible causes—how one might contract hepatitis c.

• School Inoculations
  During the "cold war" era, grade school children were typically inoculated in "herd" programs. They were simply lined up and given inoculations for small pox, polio and other serious diseases—all without parental consent. Transmission of hepatitis was not considered, at that time.
• Inadequate Sterilization
  Until recently, health departments, doctor's offices, hospitals, clinics and dentist offices did not sterilize their equipment—nor did they dispose of their hazardous waste safely. Syringes and needles were soaked in alcohol to "sterilize" them—a procedure that we now know simply does not work. Both patients as well as medical practitioners could have contracted hepatitis c this way.
• Military Inoculations
  Many other Americans contracted hepatitis in the military. Entire groups of soldiers were inoculated with the same instruments. Even though the needle was supposed to be an air blast, skin was broken and blood was exchanged. Hep c transmission resulted, on a mass scale.
• Blood Transfusions
  A great tragedy has been found in the blood industry. Many adults and children were given tainted blood through transfusions. Some victims have collected compensation through lawsuits, and although this pays them for the crime it doesn't cure the disease. Hopefully, we have seen the last of hep c transmission due to blood transfusions.
• Drug Usage, Tattoos, and Acupuncture
  Many people experimented with drugs at one point in their lives. Unfortunately, sharing contaminated needles may have spread the disease from one person to another. Other people may have visited unclean tattoo parlors or acupuncture shops.
• Sexually Transmitted
  Some people feel they may have come in contact with hepatitis c through sexual relations. Although sexual transmission as a cause of hepatitis c is a matter of some debate, most health care professionals do advise safe sex practices as a precaution against infection.

Regardless of the causes of hepatitis c, the good news here is that it is very possible to buy life insurance even when hepatitis positive. Your life insurance broker just needs to know where to look!

Next, let's look at your options for getting life insurance with hep c.

Finding More About Causes of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C Forum - Online community offering info on hep c related issues, such as causes of hepatitis c, understanding test results, and elevated liver enzymes. Post a question, and the forum administrator will research your question for free. Peer-to-peer advice and emotional support—for patients, caregivers, and their friends and families.

About the Author

Steven H. Kobrin, LUTCF, is an independent life insurance broker and nationally recognized expert in field underwriting for people considered high risk. He currently serves as a preferred life insurance quote provider for professional advisors and their clients, including attorneys, accountants, financial planners, and business loan officers.

Consumers and consumer advocates are warmly invited to contact Steve for his experienced and patient guidance.

Online: Life Insurance Quote
Email: skobrin@stevenkobrin.com
Phone: 1-866-633-1818 (toll free)
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