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The Hidden Epidemic: Understanding the Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV), like Hepatitis B, can cause an acute or chronic infection. It can also cause problems with the liver. Hepatitis C has treatment options to help ease symptoms, but no cure exists.
Learn about the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C and what steps to take for a successful recovery.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
What is Hepatitis C?
The virus known as hepatitis C, or HCV, harms the liver. So it shouldn’t be surprising that “hepatitis” is a condition marked by liver inflammation. In addition, three distinct viruses called hepatitis A, B, and C all produce many of the same symptoms.
The severity of Hepatitis C’s impact on the liver is primarily determined by whether the infection is acute or chronic. Hepatitis B and C, in contrast to Hepatitis A, which usually does not require treatment because it goes away on its own, often create more severe symptoms and necessitate treatment.
Hepatitis C symptoms seldom result in death and are usually short-lived. HCV, on the other hand, can induce liver problems that can lead to death.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Taking a Closer Look at Hepatitis C Symptoms
Nearly 80% of people infected with HCV are asymptomatic, which means they have no symptoms. Those with Hepatitis C symptoms may notice them as early as two weeks after exposure. However, it may take six or seven weeks to become evident.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Weight loss
- Slurred speech, drowsiness, or confusion
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Itchy skin
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice; yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Bowel movements that are clay-colored
- Spider angiomas; web-like veins under the skin
- Swelling of the legs
A person’s symptoms might be moderate to severe, depending on whether they have acute or chronic hepatitis C. However, as previously stated, Hepatitis C can cause unpleasant side effects such as liver cancer and scarring (cirrhosis). Therefore, even if the infected person displays no signs or symptoms of Hepatitis C, these and other problems can still occur. This is one of the numerous reasons why testing for hepatitis and other asymptomatic STDs is recommended.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Preventing Hepatitis C
Although vaccines for Hepatitis A and B are available, there is presently no vaccine available for Hepatitis C, making it critical to be aware of other prevention measures.
Learning how the virus is transmitted is one of the most effective strategies to prevent Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is spread by sexual contact and blood-to-blood contact. Those who have several partners are more likely to contract Hepatitis C. HCV is less typically transferred through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity than other STDs, although it is possible. Sharing razors, using intravenous drugs, getting tattooed, or getting pierced all involve sharing needles, which is how hepatitis C is transmitted.
True, Hepatitis was once routinely spread through organ transplants and blood transfusions. However, since the 1990s, preventative measures have been in place to assure the safety of all parties involved. Most professional tattoo and piercing businesses take strict hygienic steps to avoid transmitting Hepatitis C. However, many amateur tattoo and piercing artists still need to. As a result, we highly advise folks to exercise caution when engaging in such activities.
Hepatitis C is difficult to spread throughout a home. Sharing meals, kissing, hugging, hand holding, sneezing, or coughing do not distribute it. Hepatitis C cannot survive outside the human body for more than three weeks at room temperature.
If you think you could suffer from Hepatitis C symptoms or have been exposed to the virus, you should get tested as soon as possible.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Testing for Hepatitis C
Testing is the only method to find out if you have HCV. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the essential treatment once they have determined the condition of your Hepatitis C. A simple blood test is all that is required for testing. The test detects antibodies in your system. We recommend waiting 8 to 9 weeks after exposure to test for Hepatitis C to ensure the most reliable results. This gives the antibodies enough time to appear in your system.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Treatment for Hepatitis C
The severity of your Hepatitis C infection will determine the treatment you receive. Fortunately, roughly 80 to 90 percent of persons infected with HCV can be cured with treatment. Treatment will be optional for about 25% of people affected since their bodies will naturally fight the virus. The majority of these people will have no idea they have Hepatitis C.
If you have acute Hepatitis C, your doctor will most likely prescribe an antiviral medicine to prevent you from acquiring chronic Hepatitis C. The general goal of treatment for sharp Hepatitis C is to be virus-free for 12 weeks after the patient has finished their medication.
Those diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis C may be administered medication to assist them in managing their symptoms. However, in HCV-infected persons, some consumables, such as over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and alcohol, might induce liver damage.
Regular check-ups with your doctor to review supplement, pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter medication safety will help you maintain your health and safety.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Pregnancy and Hepatitis C
Do you want to know if Hepatitis C can be transmitted from mother to child? Yes, especially for HIV-positive people. Hepatitis C infects 4 out of every 100 kids born to a Hepatitis C-infected mother.
As a result, if you suspect you are pregnant and are concerned about being exposed to Hepatitis C, get a Hepatitis C test as soon as possible.
Additionally, be sure your doctor is aware of any symptoms you are experiencing.