Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). As a result, it attacks the liver and causes swelling. The infection can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). However, many individuals with chronic hepatitis C may not experience symptoms until significant liver damage has occurred.
Hepatitis C is a global health problem. About 71 million people around the world have chronic form. However, it is more common in places where people have limited access to safe medical care and blood tests.
Generally, doctors use blood tests to find the Hepatitis C virus in your body. These tests also show the type (genotype) of the virus. Sometimes, you may need more tests like liver function tests, imaging, or a liver biopsy. As a result, these help check how much damage the virus has caused to your liver.
Doctors usually treat it with antiviral medicines. These are called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). As a result, they can clear the virus from your body in most cases. Depending on your liver damage, your doctor will decide the medicines and treatment plan for you.
Yes, you can lower your risk. To achieve this, do not share needles or drug equipment and practice safe sex. Also, make sure medical tools and blood products are clean and safe. Right now, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
See a doctor if you have symptoms or if you were exposed to the virus. If a test shows you have it, follow up regularly with your doctor. As a result, this helps manage the virus and protect your liver.
Without treatment, it can lead to serious problems. These include long-term liver disease, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, or liver failure. That’s why getting diagnosed and treated early is so important.
Some people have a higher risk. This includes people who inject drugs and have received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992. Also, people who were exposed to infected blood (like through a needle stick or unclean medical tools) are at a higher risk. Additionally, people who are on dialysis for a long time and have HIV are also at risk.
Yes, it is often called a “silent” infection. This is because many people don’t feel sick until their liver is already damaged. However, through regular check-ups and blood tests, you can diagnose it earlier and find reasonable solutions.
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