A Guide to Hepatitis C – Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention

Hepatitis C is a viral illness that causes liver inflammation and, in severe cases, liver damage. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads via infected blood.

Until recently, hepatitis C therapy required weekly injections and medicines, which many HCV-infected persons were unable to take due to other health issues or intolerable side effects. However, this is changing with oral medications taken every day.

Despite this, around half of persons infected with HCV are unaware of their infection, owing to the absence of symptoms, which might take decades to manifest.

So, in this blog, we have tried to shed light on the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of Hepatitis C so that you can remain aware and make informed decisions when required.

Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a silent disease that takes decades to show the real symptoms. However, some signs in the body might indicate the presence of Hepatitis C in the body.

• Bruising easily
• Bleeding easily
• Poor appetite
• Excess fatigue
• Dark-coloured urine
• Ascites: Fluid build-up in the abdomen
• Joint pain
• Jaundice
• Itchy skin
• Weight loss
• Swelling in legs
• Slurred speech, drowsiness, and confusion
• Spider angiomas – Spiderlike blood vessels appearing on the skin

Causes of Hepatitis

Hepatitis C is spread via sharing needles used for injecting drugs. During childbirth, an HCV-infected mom can infect her infant with the virus.

Sexual contact with an infected person, an unintentional needlestick with a contaminated needle, or poorly sanitised medical, acupuncture, piercing, or tattooing equipment are all ways to get hepatitis C.

Additionally, hundreds of hepatitis C virus particles can be carried in a speck of blood that is undetectable to the human eye.

Transmission

The hepatitis C virus is transmitted by blood. It is most often spread through the following methods:

• Reuse or poor sterilisation of medical equipment, particularly syringes and needles in healthcare settings;
• The transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products; and
• Sharing of injection equipment.

Who are at Risk?

• People who are infected with HIV
• If you are a health worker and exposed to contaminated blood
• People who have been into a prison anytime in their life
• If you got a tattoo or piercing with unsterile tools
• People who have got a liver transplant or blood transfusion before 1992 are prone to HCV

Treatment of Hepatitis C

Chronic Hepatitis C virus is generally curable with over-the-counter medication. However, the medication course is usually longer than other diseases and can last for two to six months. The treatment includes a combination of antiviral medications that are prescribed for 8 to 24 weeks. In most of cases, DAAs – Direct-acting antiviral medicines are used to treat both acute and chronic Hepatitis C.

These are modern medicines that have a very good response with minimal side effects like fatigue and headache. They work by targeting the virus life cycle to stop the reproduction of viral cells.

Complication

Hepatitis C infection that lasts for years can lead to serious consequences, such as:

• Hepatitis scarring (cirrhosis): Cirrhosis can develop after decades of hepatitis C infection. Scarring in the liver makes it harder for it to operate properly.
• Cancer of the liver: Hepatitis C infection can cause liver cancer in a tiny percentage of persons.
• Failure of the liver: Cirrhosis in its advanced stages might lead your liver to cease working.

Prevention of Hepatitis C

Unfortunately, unlike Hepatitis-A and Hepatitis-B, there are currently no vaccines for Hepatitis C. However, people can still prevent this infection. Here are some tips:

• Avoid sharing needles, razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Stop consuming alcohol
• Manage other current health issues
• Keep your sugar levels under control

How to Prevent Transmitting Hepatitis C?

People who are diagnosed with Hepatitis C should follow these tips to stops its transmission to healthy people.

• They should avoid sharing their hygiene items with any other person
• They must disclose their medical condition with the tattoo artist and request to use sterile equipment.
• Such people should wear gloves while touching a healthy person’s sores
• Avoid sharing needles and medicines with healthy people

Bottom Line

As mentioned earlier, it is a silent disease that takes decades to come out. The only way to prevent it is by leading a healthy lifestyle and regular health checkups. Overlooking the symptoms can lead to scarring of the liver, liver cancer, or even liver failure. In such cases, a liver transplant is the only resort.

If you or your acquaintances is in such a critical state, consider getting a liver transplant in Delhi or recognised places as soon as possible. Even if you are fortunate enough to not have any such disease, it is wise to consult the best liver specialist in India and get yourself examined at least once a year.

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