Everything You Need To Know About Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C, a contagious, viral infection causes liver inflammation. Sometimes it also causes serious damage to the liver. This blood-borne disease is caused by the Hepatitis C virus, and it is very common in the U.S.; with around 3.9 million people affected by this disease. Let us find out more about this disease.
What is Hepatitis C?
This disease infects the liver and sometimes it can also lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and/or liver failure. Many people with Hepatitis C sometimes do not even realize that they have it. It is only after the liver is damaged to an extent that the disease is diagnosed.
In acute Hepatitis C, a person may get the disease for a short period and later get better. However, in the case of chronic Hepatitis C, people get infected with the virus and go on to have it for a long period. Despite the severity of this disease, many patients manage it well and live an active life.
How is Hepatitis C different from Hepatitis A and B?
Hepatitis is defined as an inflammation of the liver, and Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types. Though the symptoms of all three could be similar, the way they are transmitted and their effect on the liver differs drastically.
Hepatitis A is an acute infection but it is not chronic, and people with this disease normally improve without any treatment. On the other hand, Hepatitis B and C begin as acute infections, but in some cases, the virus remains in the body, and this results in chronic illness and long-term liver problems.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluids which include semen and vaginal fluid of the one infected. Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with the infected blood. There are vaccines available to prevent Hepatitis A and B; however, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
How Is Hepatitis C Spread?
This disease is usually spread through the blood of the infected person entering the body of the person who is not infected. The most common way is by sharing needles, syringes, and other such equipment for injecting drugs.
Also, it can be passed on to the baby if the mother is infected. Less commonly, sharing your personal care items such as razors or toothbrushes which may have come in contact with the blood of the infected person can get you infected. Also, having sexual intercourse with the infected person can spread Hepatitis C.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?
In many cases, the person does not experience symptoms for a long period. However, its symptoms may include:
- Sore Muscles
- Stomach Pain
- Joint Pain
- Tiring Feeling
- Itchiness
- Dark Urine
At times people develop chronic Hepatitis C without experiencing any symptoms. In such cases, a person can get the disease for 15 or more years before diagnosing it.
How is Hepatitis C treated?
Hepatitis C treatment depends on the amount of damage to the liver, how much virus one has in his/her body, what type of Hepatitis C, one has, and the patient’s other health conditions. A combination of antiviral is used to treat Hepatitis C.
These drugs fight the infection and can prevent severe liver problems. A regular blood test is conducted to keep a check on the functioning of the liver. It is best to discuss with your doctor and then decide whether you should take antiviral medicines or not.
Nowadays it has become convenient for patients to buy prescription drugs online. A genuine online drug store would be the best place to buy medicines with discount prescriptions.