Facts About Hepatitis C
Hepatitis, inflammation of the liver, can be caused by several viruses. One specific cause is the hepatitis C virus. There are many people who are unaware that they are infected with the hepatitis C virus because they suffer no immediate symptoms. In America, there are approximately 17,000 people infected with hepatitis C every year (as of 2007).
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Types and Symptoms
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Hepatitis C can occur as a short-term illness, acute hepatitis C, or a long-term illness, chronic hepatitis C.
Although acute hepatitis C can last only a few weeks, chronic hepatitis C will lead to more-severe liver diseases such as liver cancer, cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver damage or liver failure. According to the CDC, out of every 100 people infected with the hepatitis C virus, nearly 75 to 85 will also develop chronic hepatitis C.
Symptoms rarely emerge for both acute and chronic hepatitis C, but if developed, the symptoms can include fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, vomiting, clay-colored bowel movements, dark urine, fever and nausea.
The development of symptoms in acute hepatitis C can occur two weeks to six months after a person is exposed to the virus; however, symptoms in chronic hepatitis C may not surface for several years.
Diagnosis
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Both acute and chronic hepatitis C can be diagnosed by an initial blood screening (HCV Ab, anti-HCV), to observe hepatitis C antibodies, or release of chemicals, in the bloodstream. If the result is positive, it only confirms exposure to the virus. More extensive tests, such as Hepatitis C RNA, are needed to determine if the infection is acute or chronic.
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Causes
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One of the most common causes of infection with hepatitis C is sharing needles or other items used for injections. Some causes that are less common include unprotected sexual exposure with multiple partners, sharing personal items (nail clipper, razor, etc.) with someone who is infected, unclean instruments used for body-piercing and tattooing, and long-term hemodialysis.
Prior to 1992, organ transplants and blood transfusions were feared to be a means of contracting hepatitis C. But today, blood supply is screened and the chances of getting infected through these sources are rare. It is also rarely transferred to a baby during childbirth by a mother who is infected.
Treatment/Vaccine
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Although no vaccine is currently available, ongoing research is being done to develop one for hepatitis C.
There are, however, two standard medications available for people with hepatitis C: peginterferons and interferons. Even though these drugs are commonly used together, they can cause serious side effects, including the inability to control blood sugar levels, which can cause diabetes.
Prevention
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Hepatitis C virus infection can be prevented by avoiding practices that may lead to exposure to the virus. Use precautionary safety measures if your job requires that you be exposed to blood. Also take extra precautions to protect yourself when participating in sexual practices.
Warning
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Hepatitis C is a serious disease which, over time, can progress into more-serious conditions. According to the CDC, in the U.S. alone, chronic hepatitis C has been diagnosed in nearly 3.2 million people and roughly 8,000 to 10,000 people per year die from hepatitis-C-related liver disease.
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