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Hepatitis C is a contagious virus that can cause liver damage, often without noticeable symptoms. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood, and can be chronic and difficult to cure. Treatment varies based on severity and genotype, and can have unpleasant side effects. Prevention includes avoiding blood contamination and getting tested if in a high-risk group.
Hepatitis C is a contagious virus that causes liver damage. Yet this damage is usually not noticed at first and can silently build up for years. This condition is difficult and chronic in most circumstances, for which there is currently no definitive cure.
Contact with the blood of a person infected with the virus is the normal way of transmitting hepatitis C. This can occur in several ways. Until 1992, anyone in the United States who received a blood transplant was at risk for the disease, though that is now unlikely due to screening procedures. Sharing needles with an infected person is another means of transmission, as are accidental needlestick punctures in health care settings that expose people to infected blood. Babies born to mothers with hepatitis C are at risk for the disease and sometimes, although rarely, the disease can be sexually transmitted.
As mentioned, hepatitis C can be asymptomatic for many years, but some people have some flu-like symptoms when they first get sick. These can include things like fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach tenderness, and aches and pains. Later the same symptoms may recur and be accompanied by fever and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Although some people who get hepatitis C fight off the disease without liver damage, some will develop cirrhosis or scarring of the liver that significantly impairs function over time. Even without cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis continues to damage the liver. This can eventually lead to liver failure.
Treatment for hepatitis can vary based on the severity and expression of the disease and also on the genotype. There are actually six variants of the disease called genotype 1, 2, 3, etc. Not all doctors recommend the treatment for all patients because some people will only suffer from minor liver damage that does not significantly affect their quality of life or length of life. Other doctors argue that an aggressive approach can help prevent further damage and could help remove the virus from the bloodstream so it can’t attack the liver.
General methods of treatment include a 24-48 week course of medication which can vary slightly. These can have many unpleasant side effects and are not always effective. Doctors judge the potential success of treatment based on a person’s hepatitis C genotype. When the disease has caused liver damage to the point of failure, this treatment is usually not the most effective. Instead, people may require a liver transplant, although this may only prolong life a few more years as the person still has the virus and the new liver will be damaged.
The silent nature of hepatitis C is one of its biggest problems. All people need to be aware of the risk factors for getting this disease, and if they fall into a high-risk group, a simple blood test can identify its presence. Those in this group should ask their doctor for advice on getting tested.
People who have this disease will not pass it on to other family members by hugging or being close. They should work to make sure that any potential blood sources do not come into contact with the rest of the family. Things like used plasters, sanitary towels and the like must be disposed of carefully. People should not share things that could lead to blood contamination such as toothbrushes. It is also generally recommended that infected people use condoms during intercourse. People with the disease should always let healthcare workers know they have it so these workers can take extra precautions and avoid exposure.
