subject: Important Health Information About Hepatitis C [print this page] It is important that all people understand what hepatitis C is, what the symptoms of it are, what treatment options are available and how people who are afflicted with it cope. The condition is a challenging one most of the time. As it stands right now, there is no definitive cure.
Hepatitis C is a contagious viral infection that causes damage to the liver, although it is usually not noticed right away and can dwell silently for years. Usually, transmission takes place when contact with the blood of someone who is infected occurs. Until 1992, anyone who was the recipient of a blood transplant was at some risk for the illness; however, this is now highly unlikely, thanks to screening procedures. Transmission through sexual activity is possible, but rare. Infants can be born to mothers who are infected, and accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings can expose people to infected blood. One of the most common ways of transmission is sharing needles with an infected person, as in the case of sharing drug needles.
Symptoms that can occur when a person is first exposed to the illness can include stomach tenderness, feeling achy, fatigue, a loss or reduction in appetite, and others that may resemble influenza. Later on, these symptoms may recur, along with a fever and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). Over time, chronic hepatitis C damages the liver, and can significantly impair its function. Such is the case regardless of whether cirrhosis occurs or not.
Treatment of hepatitis C depends on the severity and the genotype of the disease (there are six different variants of the disease). General methods include a 24-48 week regimen of medications that can vary. Unfortunately, there can be many unpleasant side effects, and treatment is not always very effective. When the illness has caused liver damage to the point of failure, a liver transplant may be required. Even with a successful transplant, however, a persons life may only be extended by a few more years.
A sample blood test may identify the presence of the disease; the silent nature of the illness is one of the biggest problems for people. Therefore, people who fall into a high-risk group should seek advice about getting tested for hepatitis C. People with hepatitis C will not pass it to others by hugging or being close. However, it is important that things like used bandages, sanitary pads and also toothbrushes do not come in contact with others. Anything that might involve blood contamination should not be shared. In addition, those who have hepatitis C should always inform medical workers that they have the illness so that the workers can take extra precautions to avoid accidental exposure.
