What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, transmitted via infected blood. Left untreated, it can lead to severe liver damage, but modern treatments offer a cure and allow for an average life expectancy.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis c?
The incubation period for hepatitis C varies from 2 weeks to 6 months. At the beginning of the infection, most patients do not show any HCV symptoms.
The hepatitis C symptoms are:
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- Nausea
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
What are the causes of hepatitis c?
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood.
Some common points include:
- Contact with infected blood
- Intravenous drug use
- Unsafe medical procedures
- Mother to child transmission
- Blood transfusions
- Sharing needles
- Unprotected sex
Contact With Infected Blood
Direct exposure to blood contaminated with HCV, such as through needlestick injuries or sharing personal hygiene items like razors or toothbrushes.
Intravenous Drug Use
Sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs can lead to the transfer of HCV between individuals.
Unsafe medical procedures
Poor sterilization practices or the use of unclean medical equipment in healthcare settings can result in the transmission of HCV from infected patients to others.
Mother to child transmission
Infected mothers can transmit HCV to their babies during childbirth, although this mode of transmission is less common than others.
Blood Transfusions
Before widespread screening of blood donations for HCV, transfusions of infected blood or blood products were a significant cause of hepatitis C transmission.
Sharing Needles
Sharing needles for injecting drugs or for medical procedures, like tattoos or body piercings, can facilitate the spread of HCV among individuals.
Unprotected Sex
Although less common than other routes, engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse with an HCV-infected partner can lead to transmission of the virus, particularly in the presence of other risk factors such as sexually transmitted infectionsor multiple sexual partners.
What are the risk factors for hepatitis c?
Hepatitis C spreads through contact with infected blood, which can happen for the following reasons:
- Using unsterilized needles or syringes for drug use or medical procedures.
- Receiving a blood transfusion with contaminated blood (prior to screening).
- Accidental needlestick injuries with infected needles.
- Getting tattoos or piercings with unsterilized equipment previously used on someone with hepatitis C.
- Direct contact with the blood or open wounds of an infected person.
- Sharing personal items like razors, toothbrushes, or manicure tools with an infected individual.
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.
- Unprotected sexual contact with a person infected with hepatitis C.
What are the complications of hepatitis c?
Hepatitis C complications include:
How can we prevent hepatitis c?
- Caution : piercing, tattooing
- Prefer reputable shops
- Enquire about equipment cleanliness
- Avoid unprotected sex
- No illicit drugs
- Avoid infected items : needles, razors, toothbrushes
- No alcohol, smoking
- No vaccine : precautions crucial
- Regular blood tests for early detection and treatment
How is hepatitis c diagnosed?
Hepatitis C is diagnosed through blood tests, such as ELISA or anti-HCV tests, providing results within days to weeks. Rapid tests are also available, delivering results in 20–30 minutes.
Referral to a liver specialist may follow for further examination, including liver biopsy or ultrasound tests.
What are the treatments for hepatitis c?
Hepatitis C is typically treated with antiviral drugs, which can often cure the infection. Monitoring may occur for acute cases, while chronic cases require medication, liver function tests, and lifestyle adjustments to manage the condition and prevent complications.
- Medications prescribed
- Liver function tests
- Lifestyle adjustments
