Hepatitis C is the medical term for inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis C virus is one of the many causes of inflammation of the liver. The virus, called the Hepatitis C virus or HCV for short, is just one of the Hepatitis viruses.
Research proof that nearly 4 million people in the United States are currently living with Hepatitis C. The other common Hepatitis viruses are A and B, which differ somewhat from HCV in the way they are spread and treated.
Out of 100 people that contract the infection, 75–85 people will develop chronic infection, 60–70 people will develop chronic liver disease, five to 20 people will develop cirrhosis over the course of their chronic infection and one to five people will die of complications including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).( In 2012 Medscape reported)
Although hepatitis C can be very serious disease, but most people can manage the disease and lead active, full lives.
Symptoms Hepatitis C infection
Patients with hepatitis C often don’t have any symptoms and may not know they have the virus. When the patient's symptoms suggest hepatitis C, the doctor normally takes blood samples and runs tests to check for the presence of an antibody. Most people have no symptoms when they are first infected with the hepatitis C virus.
If you do develop symptoms, they may include:
- Feeling very tired.
- Stomach ache.
- Nausea.
- Dark urine.
- Joint and Belly pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- No appetite.
- Fever.
- Headaches.
Causes Hepatitis C infection
Some people who get HCV have it for a short time (up to six months) and then get better on their own. This is called acute Hepatitis C. But most people (about 75% – 85%) will go on to develop chronic (or long-term) Hepatitis C, meaning it doesn’t go away.
- You share needles and other equipment used to inject illegal drugs. This is the most common way to get hepatitis C in the world.
- If blood from someone who has hepatitis C contacts a cut on your skin or contacts your eyes or mouth.
- Have unprotected sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis C. The risk is higher if you have many sex partners.
- A mother with hepatitis C spreads the virus to her baby at birth.
- You get a shot with a needle that has infected blood on it.
- You get a tattoo or a piercing with a needle that has infected blood on it.
- Share personal items such as toothbrushes and razors with someone who has hepatitis C it is less common.
- Have been on long-term kidney dialysis.
You cannot get hepatitis C from casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing food or drink.
Treatment Hepatitis C infection
Some commonly used prescription and non-prescription medications as well as herbal products can also affect the liver and cause more damage. Talk to your doctor or health care professional about the safety of taking certain medications.
Common medicines used include peginterferon and antiviral drugs. These medicines are aimed at:
- Hepatitis C is treated with a combination of peginterferon and ribovarin.
- Liver transplant of hepatitis B or C, or D-caused liver failure.
You may feel better if you exercise and eat healthy foods. To help prevent further liver damage, avoid alcohol and illegal drugs and certain medicines that can be hard on your liver.
Diagnosis Hepatitis C infection
To check for hepatitis viruses, your doctor will test your blood. You may also need a biopsy to see if there is liver damage.
Patient Referred Physicians Treating Hepatitis
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Prevention Hepatitis C infection
Things that can be done to prevent the spread of hepatitis C from one person to another. Therefore, it is important to avoid exposure to the virus. Use the following precautions to reduce your risk of infection
- Health care workers should follow precautions when handling blood.
- Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before fixing food or eating.
- Avoid tap water when traveling to certain countries or regions.
- Don't share drug needles.
- Eat a healthy food.
- Avoid Smoking.
- Do not share needles with anyone.
- Do not get tattoos or body piercings or receive acupuncture from someone who does not have a permit or license.
- Exercise Regularly.
- Do not share personal items such as razors and toothbrushes.
- Practice safer sex use latex condoms, which may lower the risk of transmission.
New research proof that Hepatitis C increases risk of death from both liver disease and non-liver-related causes
Hepatitis C virus cannot be spread by casual contact, such as kissing, holding hands, coughing or sneezing, breastfeeding, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses together.
Although hepatitis C can be very serious disease, but most people can manage the disease and lead active, full lives.
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