Physical Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne pathogen that attacks the liver of infected individuals. Left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to significant liver damage and death.
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About Hepatitis C
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Hepatitis C is one of several variations of hepatitis (the others are A and B). Hepatitis C is spread by contact with infected blood and is considered to be the most dangerous of the three forms of hepatitis.
Symptoms
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Individuals infected with hepatitis C often experience few if any initial symptoms. If they do experience symptoms, they are often mistaken for a cold or flu. Possible symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness and muscle pain.
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More Symptoms
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Some people who are infected with hepatitis C may experience periodic dull pain in the area surrounding the liver. However, because the pain is often intermittent or slight, individuals typically do not seek treatment.
How Spread
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Hepatitis is spread by contact with infected blood. Health care workers who have frequent contact with blood and body fluids are particularly at risk. Additionally since hepatitis can be spread by infected needles, some individuals have contracted hepatitis C from being tattooed with improperly sanitized equipment. Hepatitis C is particularly rampant among illicit drug users. Infected needles are often unknowingly shared, and the infection is easily spread. Also, people who have had blood transfusions or organ transplants prior to 1992 (when hepatitis C screening began) are also at risk for having contracted the disease.
Liver Damage
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Hepatits C can lead to permanent liver damage. Because this happens gradually over time, individuals typically notice no ill effects until significant scarring of the liver has occurred.
Treatment
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Hepatitis C is typically treated with various combinations of antiviral medications. In cases where liver damage is severe, a liver transplant may be required.
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