Overview

The Hepatitis C virus attacks your liver. Chronic as well as acute illness may result from this. It has the potential to be lethal if treatment is not received.

Contact with contaminated blood is how the Hepatitis C virus is transmitted. In addition to risky medical practices such as blood transfusions using unscreened blood products, this can occur by sharing syringes or needles. Unfortunately, there's no vaccine for Hepatitis C virus, but it can be treated with antiviral medications. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing serious liver damage and improving long-term health.

Acute Hepatitis C virus infections are usually asymptomatic and most do not lead to life-threatening disease. Surprisingly, around 30% (15–45%) of infected people clear the virus within 6 months of infection without any treatment. However, the remaining 70% (55–85%) develop chronic Hepatitis C virus infection, with a risk of cirrhosis ranging from 15% to 30% over 20 years.

Symptoms

Most people don't show symptoms in the first few weeks after infection. It can take anywhere from two weeks to six months for symptoms to appear. When they do show up, they might include:

• Fever
• Feeling very tired
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Transmission

The Hepatitis C virus primarily spreads through blood. Here are some common ways it gets around:

• Reuse or inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, especially syringes and needles in healthcare settings.
• Transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products.
• Injecting drug use involving shared injection equipment.

Hepatitis C virus can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby and through sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood, such as in people with multiple sexual partners and men who have sex with men. However, these transmission modes are less common.

Hepatitis C virus is not spread through breast milk, food, water, or casual contact like hugging, kissing, or sharing food or drinks with an infected person.

Treatments for Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C virus can be treated with medicines that stop the virus from multiplying inside your body. Treatment usually involves taking medication for several weeks.

In the past, most people needed two main medicines: Pegylated interferon (a weekly injection) and Ribavirin (a capsule or tablet).

Now, tablet-only treatments are available. These new Hepatitis C virus medicines make treatment more effective, easier to tolerate, and have shorter treatment courses. Examples of these new treatments include Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir. Using the latest medications, more than 90% of people with Hepatitis C virus can be cured.

However, it's important to remember that even if you're cured, you're not immune to the infection. You should still take steps to reduce your risk of becoming infected again.

Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of Hepatitis C virus infection:

• Use sterile needles and syringes when injecting drugs.
• Avoid sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes that might have blood on them.
• Ensure all medical equipment is properly sterilized, especially in healthcare settings.
• Get tested and encourage testing for blood donors to ensure blood products are safe to use.

Summary

The Hepatitis C virus is a serious viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to both acute and chronic illnesses. Understanding how it's transmitted, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing the available treatments are crucial steps in managing the condition. By taking preventive measures, following treatment plans, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce the risk of serious liver damage and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, early detection and treatment of Hepatitis C virus are key to a healthier future.