Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. It is considered one of the most serious hepatitis viruses.

The Silent Infection: Most people have no symptoms. They often do not know they are infected until liver damage shows up decades later during routine medical tests.

It is passed through contact with contaminated blood—most commonly through needles shared during illegal drug use.

Symptoms

HCV usually produces no signs during its earliest stages (Acute phase). When symptoms do occur, they are often mild and flu-like:

• Fatigue.
• Fever.
• Nausea or poor appetite.
• Muscle and joint pains.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
• Dark urine.

Causes & Transmission

HCV is spread when blood contaminated with the virus enters the bloodstream of an uninfected person.

• Sharing Needles: The most common mode of transmission.
• Medical Equipment: Unsterilized medical or tattoo equipment.
• Blood Transfusion: Before 1992 (when widespread screening began).
• Birth: Passed from mother to baby.

Note: It is NOT spread by hugging, kissing, or sharing food/water.

Who Should Get Tested?

Because the virus damages the liver silently, screening is recommended for high-risk groups:

⚠️ GET TESTED IF:

• You were born between 1945 and 1965 (Baby Boomers have the highest rates).
• You have ever injected illicit drugs.
• You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992.
• You have unexplained abnormal liver function tests.
• You are a healthcare worker exposed to needle sticks.
• You have HIV.

Diagnostic Tests

• Antibody Test: Checks if you have ever been exposed to the virus.
• Viral Load (RNA) Test: Measures the quantity of the virus in your blood to see if the infection is active.
• Genotyping: Determines the specific strain of the virus (Genotype 1, 2, 3, etc.) to guide treatment.
• Liver Biopsy: Removing a small tissue sample to check for fibrosis (scarring).

Complications

If untreated over many years, chronic Hepatitis C causes severe damage:

• Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue, making it difficult for the liver to function. Occurs after 20-30 years of infection.
• Liver Cancer: A small percentage of people with chronic HCV develop cancer.
• Liver Failure: The liver stops functioning, requiring a transplant.

Treatment

Great progress has been made in treating Hepatitis C. It is now considered curable for many people.

1. Antiviral Medications

Newer "Direct-Acting Antivirals" (DAAs) can clear the virus from the body in 8 to 12 weeks with fewer side effects than older treatments.

2. Liver Transplant

For severely damaged livers. Note: A transplant does not cure the infection; antiviral medication is usually continued afterward to protect the new liver.

3. Vaccinations

There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. However, doctors recommend getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B to prevent further liver damage from other viruses.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.