Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that affects the liver; It is a global health concern that can lead to severe liver damage if left untreated. Although symptoms can vary, many people may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Hepatitis C can be significantly reduced, and people can live healthier lives by taking preventive steps and receiving medical attention when necessary.

Direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAAs) have completely changed the landscape of hepatitis C treatment. DAAs have made it possible for people with hepatitis C to get treatments that can completely get rid of the virus while also greatly enhancing liver health. If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, consult your doctor to determine the best course of action for your condition.

Hepatitis C can be acute or chronic:

• Acute hepatitis C, which is transient and lasts for six months after the virus enters the body. Sometimes the virus disappears because your body can successfully fight the infection.
• Chronic hepatitis C, which is long-lasting (longer than six months) and the most common type of hepatitis C. It occurs when the virus can no longer be eliminated by the body. Without treatment, it can result in health problems such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Because many people infected with the virus do not show symptoms until the infection has gone to advanced stages, hepatitis C is frequently referred to as a “silent epidemic”. When symptoms do occur, they can range in severity and may include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint and muscle pain
• Dark urine and pale stools

It is crucial to understand that liver damage does not always manifest as symptoms. When left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can result in life-threatening complications such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Therefore, you should get medical help if you think you may have been exposed to HCV or if you are showing any symptoms of hepatitis C.

What are the causes of hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through contact with blood of an infected person. Other transmission methods include:

1. Drug use: Sharing needles, syringes, or any other drug equipment contaminated with infected blood might result in the transmission of HCV.
2. Mother-to-child transmission: Although it happens rarely, infected mothers might pass the virus to their unborn children while giving birth.
3. Blood transfusions and organ transplants: Before the widespread screening of blood donors, blood transfusions and organ transplants were significant sources of HCV transmission. However, strict screening measures have significantly decreased the risk in many countries.
4. Unsafe medical practices: Poor infection control practices, such as poor sanitation of medical equipment, can contribute to the spread of HCV. Individuals may be at risk when receiving medical care in facilities with inadequate infection control measures.
5. Sexual contact: Although less common, sexual contact can still result in the transmission of HCV, especially for people who have several sexual partners or engage in unsafe sexual behaviors.
6. Occupational exposure: People who work in the healthcare industry or have jobs that could expose them to infected blood, such as emergency responders or laboratory personnel, are more likely to acquire HCV through accidental needlesticks or improper handling of contaminated medical equipment.

It is important to note that hugging, kissing, coughing, sharing utensils, or breastfeeding cannot spread hepatitis C. 

What are the risk factors for hepatitis C?

The following are at a higher risk for Hepatitis C:

• People who have injected drugs
• Individuals with HIV
• Recipients of a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
• Healthcare workers who have been exposed to infected blood
• Children born to HCV-infected mothers
• Individuals with unexplained liver disease

How is hepatitis C diagnosed? 

During your appointment, the doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to look for indications of liver damage. They will then perform one or more tests to diagnose hepatitis C, including:

• Blood tests: These tests look for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA (the virus’ genetic material).
• HCV genotyping: This test identifies the specific genotype or strain of the virus, which aids in selecting the best course of action.
• Liver function tests: These tests analyze the health of your liver and determine the degree of liver damage brought on by the infection by measuring liver enzymes and other markers in the blood.
• Liver biopsy: A small sample of liver tissue is removed for laboratory testing using a needle inserted through the abdominal wall. This test is usually used if other tests do not offer enough information about the liver’s condition.

To evaluate the extent of liver damage and choose the best course of treatment, additional imaging tests, including ultrasound or elastography, may be advised in some circumstances.

How is hepatitis C treated? 

The main objective of treatment is to cure the infection and prevent further liver damage. DAAs, which are very successful at removing the virus from the body, are used as the standard treatment for hepatitis C. Treatment options for hepatitis C include:

1. Antiviral therapy: DAAs are oral medications that target the hepatitis C virus’s replication process. They inhibit certain proteins required for viral replication, leading to a sustained virologic response (SVR), indicating a cure for hepatitis C. Treatment duration usually lasts 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the specific medications prescribed and the individual factors of the patient; These efficient oral medications have minimal side effects, quick recovery times, and excellent cure rates.
2. Combination therapy: Combination therapy may occasionally be recommended to maximize treatment effectiveness, especially for patients with certain characteristics, such as those who have had prior treatments or those with advanced liver disease. Combination therapy employs two or more DAAs with complementary modes of action to attack the virus from many perspectives, increasing the likelihood of a cure.
3. Individualized treatment plans: Treatment plans are created specifically for each patient, taking into account their HCV genotype, liver health, history of prior treatments, and potential drug interactions. Careful monitoring is required during treatment to guarantee the best results.
4. Liver cirrhosis management: People with liver cirrhosis, an advanced form of liver scarring, may need additional treatments to manage complications and enhance the health of their livers. This may involve lifestyle changes, routine observation, and, in extreme cases, a possible referral for liver transplantation. The surgeon removes your damaged liver during a liver transplant and replaces it with a healthy one.
5. Monitoring during treatment: Regular monitoring is essential throughout the treatment process to assess treatment response and guarantee the best results. Regular blood tests to monitor HCV RNA levels and liver health are usually required. These tests offer information on the condition of the liver and its response to treatment, in addition to determining if the virus has been eradicated.
6. Lifestyle modifications: If you have hepatitis C, your doctor will probably advise certain lifestyle modifications that will support your continued health and safeguard the health of others. These modifications include stopping alcohol consumption, avoiding medications that could harm your liver, and ensuring no one else comes into contact with your blood.

The exact HCV genotype, liver health, previous treatment history, potential drug interactions, and patient preferences are all essential considerations when making treatment options. It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider who specializes in hepatitis C to create a suitable treatment plan.

How can hepatitis C be prevented?

Hepatitis C prevention includes making certain lifestyle decisions and taking preventative measures to lower the risk of contracting the virus. Here are some precautions to take:

• Don’t share syringes, needles, or other drug-related equipment.
• Ensure that medical equipment is properly sterilized and safe injection techniques are used.
• Make sure to use blood products and organ donations that have undergone rigorous screening to reduce the risk of HCV transmission during transfusions or transplants.
• Use barrier methods like condoms to ensure safe sex, particularly in high-risk scenarios or when having several partners.
• Exercise caution and demand the use of sterilized tools when getting tattoos or body piercings.
• Take safety measures to prevent contact with contaminated blood, such as wearing gloves when giving first aid or healthcare assistance.

Hepatitis A and B vaccination is also advised for those at a high risk of contracting HCV because co-infection with these viruses might increase the effects of hepatitis C.

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If you are experiencing symptoms of hepatitis C, book a consultation with one of our specialists by calling toll-free 8006686 or clicking the chat icon at the bottom of the screen to manage your condition effectively.