All About Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C is an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. “Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver, which, if left untreated can damage your liver tissues over time. Hepatitis C is caused by a hepatitis C virus (HCV) that spreads through contact with blood. Transmission occurs when the blood of an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person, e.g., when people share needles for injecting intravenous drugs or use an unsterilized equipment in medical settings. Hepatitis C is treatable; if you detect and treat the infection soon, you can avoid serious liver damage. Let’s look into the detail how hepatitis C virus causes infection and how to treat the infection.

 

All About Hepatitis C Virus

 

 

Hepatitis C is an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. Hepatitis C is caused by a hepatitis C virus (HCV) that spreads through contact with blood. Transmission occurs when the blood of an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person, e.g., when people share needles for injecting intravenous drugs or use an unsterilized equipment in medical settings. Hepatitis C is treatable; if you detect and treat the infection soon, you can avoid serious liver damage. Let’s look into the detail how hepatitis C virus causes infection and how to treat the infection.

 

 

 

Causes of Hepatitis C Infection

 

The hepatitis C virus an RNA virus, is a major blood-borne human pathogen. Intravenous drug misuse is the main route of HCV spread in developed nations while invasive procedures or injection-based therapy using contaminated needles and tools are the main cause of infection transmission in under developed nations.

 

 

The hepatitis C virus in blood and blood products is the main source of infection. Contact with the virus can occur in the following scenarios:

 

 

 

Sharing needles or other drug materials with an infected individual. 

Getting tattooed or pierced with instruments or inks that weren't kept sterile.

Receiving an accidental stick with a needle that was used on an infected person.

Using an infected person's toothbrush, blade and nail clippers.

Coming in contact with the infected blood or open sores of a person.

Being born to a hepatitis C-positive mother.

Having intercourse without protection with an infected individual

 

 

 Types of Hepatitis C Infection

 

 

Hepatitis C can cause an acute or chronic infection described as:

 

 

Acute hepatitis C

 

It is a transient (short-term) infection, either causing a very mild illness with few or no symptoms or a serious condition that could require hospitalization. The duration of symptoms is six months. Sometimes, the virus disappears without treatment because your body is able to fight against the sickness.

 

Chronic hepatitis C

 

It is an infection that lingers, causing long-lasting effects. Hepatitis C which persists over time is caused by the body's inability to combat the virus. About 75–85% of cases of acute hepatitis, if left untreated, develops into chronic hepatitis C infection. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent the progression of chronic hepatitis C to chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

 

 

 

 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis C Infection

 

 

 

The symptoms of hepatitis C infection usually develop after 2-12 weeks after the infection, these include:

 

 

 

Dark colored urine or clay colored stool

Tiredness and fever

Joint discomfort and pain

Appetite decline

Pain in the abdomen and swelling

Nausea, vomiting, and discomfort in the stomach

Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)

 

 

Treatment of Hepatitis C Infection

 

There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C. Acute hepatitis C virus infection is self-limited, or it may lead to chronic infection. Treatment options to cure hepatitis C infection should be discussed with your healthcare professional. The treatment should aim at:

 

 

 

Eradicating the virus from the body. By doing this, liver damage that could result in liver cancer or liver failure can be avoided.

 

Patients who exhibit symptoms of liver fibrosis or scarring should receive careful attention. They may need a liver transplant.

 

 For treatment of hepatitis C virus, With the help of antiviral medications virus can remove from the bloodstream.

 

The latest antivirals have the following advantages:

 

 

 

Ø  Offer a superior rate of recovery.

 

Ø  Simpler to administer and have fewer adverse effects.

 

Ø  Taken by oral route for eight to twenty-four weeks.

 

 

Liver transplant in the event of liver cancer or cirrhosis. You can learn more about liver transplantation from your healthcare provider.

 

Lifestyle changes:

 

 

 

Take vitamins and other dietary supplements along with a well-balanced diet as prescribed by your provider.

 

Quit smoking and avoid using alcohol and illegal drugs. Alcohol might hasten the deterioration of your liver. It may also lessen the effectiveness of medications.

 

You should receive the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations if your blood tests reveal a lack of antibodies to the hepatitis viruses. You could also require vaccination against hepatitis A and B if you have not experienced these types of hepatitis or have not gotten a vaccination against them.

Hence, hepatitis C infection is the most prevalent blood-borne virus infection caused by the HCV virus, which, if ignored, can fatally damage your liver. It is a contagious liver disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Early detection and treatment not only prevent serious liver damage but also improve long-term health.

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions related to hepatitis C infection, you can check with our doctors at Ask a doctor, 24x7.