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Information Sheet

Hepatitis C: Informacion General

This information sheet provides general information about Hepatitis C. It explains that Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus. The information sheet discusses the effect of Hepatitis C, acute and chronic forms of the disease, transmission, epidemiology, the seriousness of the disease, symptoms, diagnostic tests and who should be tested, treatment, and how people with Hepatitis C can take care of their liver. This information sheet is also available in B&W at: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/PDFs/HepCGeneralFactSheet-BW_sp.pdf.

VPH Tambien Conocido Como Virus del Papiloma Humano

This information sheet for parents discusses the need for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect their children from HPV infection. It explains that HPV can cause anal and oropharyngeal cancers in both women and men; cancers of the cervix, vulva, and vagina in women; and cancer of the penis in men. The information sheet notes that the virus is transmitted during sexual contact and reminds parents that the vaccine is recommended for preteen girls and boys ages 11 or 12 and can be given to older youth who have not been vaccinated.

Black Americans and HIV/AIDS

This information sheet provides epidemiologic information on African Americans and HIV/AIDS. It provides statistics related to age, sex, transmission method, geography, treatment, and service utilization.

Medicare and HIV/AIDS

This information sheet discusses Medicare coverage for people age 65 and older or younger people who are disabled by HIV. The information sheet explains Medicare benefits, eligibility, Medicare spending and caseload, and its future outlook. A profile of HIV/AIDS patients receiving Medicare is presented. Filling the gaps in Medicare coverage with Medicaid or other programs such as the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).

Access to Sterile Syringes

This information sheet discusses the necessity for injecting drug users (IDUs), who cannot or will not stop injecting drugs, to have access to sterile syringes in order to prevent the spread of HIV. The sheet explains that (1) the method used to prepare and inject drugs offers many opportunities for the spread of HIV and hepatitis viruses, (2) IDUs do not generally have access to sterile syrnges because most states have laws that restrict the sale and distribution of sterile syringes, and (3) safe disposal of used syringes is also a concern.

Policy Efforts to Increase IDUs' Access to Sterile Syringes

This information sheet explains that in order to reduce the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne infections, injecting drug users (IDUs), who cannot or will not stop injecting drugs, must have access to sterile syringes and injection equipment. However, many laws and regulations prohibit IDUs from purchasing these items. Some states have changed these laws and regulations and have seen positive results.

Pharmacy Sales of Sterile Syringes

This information sheet discusses the role of pharmacies in efforts to help injecting drug users (IDUs) gain access to sterile syringes and equipment in order to reduce their risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and other blood-borne diseases.The information sheet lists advantages of pharmacy sales, the barriers to pharmacy sales, the changes that some states have made to legalize pharmacy sales, and suggestions for encouraging more pharmacy sales of syringes to IDUs who will not or cannot stop injecting drugs.

Syringe Exchange Programs

This information sheet supports the use of syringe exchange programs (SEPs) for injecting drug users, who will not or cannot stop injecting drugs, as one method of lowering the risk of IDUs acquiring or transmitting HIV. SEPs allow IDUs to safely dispose of used syringes and obtain sterile ones at no cost and offer prevention and health care education and services. The information sheet discusses the public health impact of SEPs and considers the challenges for SEPs and ways of supporting access to sterile syringes through SEPs.

Syringe Disposal

This information sheet discusses the problem of safe disposal of used syringes by diabetics as well as injecting drug users (IDUs) to prevent needlestick injuries and transmission of blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis. The information sheet explains the public concern with syringe disposal, presents safe disposal methods that have been used in some communities, and notes that barriers to syringe disposal programs include laws that establish criminal penalties for distribution and possession of drug paraphernalia.