Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It can cause both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis, ranging in severity from a mild illness lasting only a few weeks to a serious, lifelong condition.
The earlier you can recognize the warning signs of hepatitis C, the faster you can get medical treatment to prevent serious complications.
What Causes Hepatitis C?
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through contaminated blood.
Until recently, hepatitis C treatment required weekly injections and oral medications that many HCV-infected people couldn’t take because of other health problems or unacceptable side effects. That’s changing. Today, chronic HCV is usually curable with oral medications taken every day for two to six months.
Still, about half of people with HCV don’t know they’re infected, mainly because they have no symptoms, which can take decades to appear. For that reason, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a one-time screening blood test for everyone at increased risk of the infection.
Acute Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Acute hepatitis C generally occurs within the first six months after someone becomes infected with the hepatitis C virus. Symptoms are typically mild, and they might not appear at all. When symptoms do occur, they can include:.
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Joint pain
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
Chronic Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Chronic hepatitis C infects the body for a long time, often decades, before symptoms become apparent. Chronic hepatitis C can cause serious damage to the liver, leading to liver failure and liver cancer. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C might include:.
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- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Bruising easily
- Bleeding
- Abdominal swelling
- Weight loss
- Itchy skin
- Spider-like blood vessels on the skin
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
Prevention of Hepatitis C
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting the virus, including:.
- Never share needles or syringes.
- Do not share personal hygiene items that might have blood on them, such as razors or toothbrushes.
- Encourage your sexual partners to get tested for hepatitis C.
- Use condoms during sex.
- Avoid getting tattoos or body piercings from unlicensed facilities or a facilities that do not follow proper safety procedures.
- Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatitis C
Diagnosis of hepatitis C involves simple blood tests. Treatment options depend on how long you have had the virus, how damaged your liver is, and how your body responds to treatment.
Early treatment can prevent serious complications, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.
The most common treatments for hepatitis C include antiviral medications that are taken for several weeks or months. These drugs help stop the virus from spreading and can cure nearly all people with the infection.
Some people may also need a liver transplant if their liver is severely damaged. To avoid developing liver disease, it’s essential to maintain overall good health, including avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B if you haven’t already had those infections.
Conclusion
Hepatitis C is a serious condition that can cause lifelong liver damage if left untreated. Knowing the warning signs and prevention techniques is essential to keeping yourself safe from the virus.
If you believe you may have been exposed to hepatitis C, see your doctor immediately for testing and possible treatment.
