Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a disease that causes liver infection and inflammation. It may either be acute or chronic and the condition develops after being infected with hepatitis C virus or HCV.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Who is at risk for hepatitis C?

• You have received an organ transplant or transfusion earlier.
• You received an organ transplant from a donor who had tested positive later for the disease.
• You have been injected drugs at least once several years ago.
• You received an organ transplant or a blood transfusion .
• You had kidney dialysis for a long time.
• You have showed some signs or symptoms of liver disease.
• You have HIV or known exposure to HCV.
• You have constant elevations of liver blood test known as alanine amino transferase or ALT levels.
• Children who are born to HCV-positive mothers.

How can you get hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C can be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact with someone who has been infected with HCV. It may spread through:

• Blood transfusions.
• Organ transplants.
• Sharing needles.
• Sharing items such as toothbrushes or razors.
• Child birth if the mother is infected with hepatitis C who passes it to her baby.
• Sexual contact at the time of exchanging blood.

How can hepatitis C be diagnosed?

You will have to perform a blood test to confirm if you are suffering from hepatitis C. When the doctor gets the results of blood test, he may suggest doing a biopsy of the liver. This will help him to know if you have damaged your liver due to severe hepatitis C.

How do you treat hepatitis C?

Earlier, there was no medication available for treating this disease. However, medications have now been approved in the recent years to cure this illness. If you are suffering from asymptomatic chronic infection or have found symptoms, your doctor will recommend visiting a liver specialist who can help with the right treatment. Your doctor may even monitor the symptoms and perform the necessary blood tests to know if certain treatments are actually working for you.

How should you prevent hepatitis C?

You will have to practice preventive measures to stay protected from developing this condition:

• Enjoy safe sex and avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
• Use sterile needles only for piercings or tattoos.
• Do not share needles with anyone.

If you have contracted hepatitis C, it is advised to see your doctor quickly. This way, you can prevent possible liver damage by starting the treatment at the right time.