Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) can cause acute and chronic infections like Hepatitis B. It can also lead to liver problems. Although treatment options are available for Hepatitis C, no known cure exists. Suppose you want to learn about the symptoms and signs of Hepatitis C and how to recover successfully. In that case, we can provide you with information on that.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that generates liver inflammation and, in extreme cases, liver injury. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads via contaminated blood.
Until recently, hepatitis C treatment needed weekly injections and oral drugs, which many HCV-infected people were unable to take due to other health issues or unacceptable side effects.
This is changing. Chronic HCV is now usually curable with daily oral medications taken for two to six months.
Approximately half of individuals with HCV are unaware of their infection due to the lack of symptoms, which may take decades to appear. As a result, the United States Preventive Services Task Force suggests that all adults aged 18 to 79 years be checked for hepatitis C, even if they have no symptoms or a history of liver disease.
Everyone born between 1945 and 1965 is the most at risk, with people five times more likely to be infected than those born in other years.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Taking a Closer Look at Hepatitis C Symptoms
Nearly 80% of HCV-infected people have no symptoms. Those who develop Hepatitis C symptoms may notice them as soon as two weeks after exposure, but it may take up to six or seven weeks.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Weight loss
- Slurred speech, drowsiness, or confusion
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Itchy skin
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice: yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Bowel movements that are clay-colored
- Spider angiomas: web-like veins under the skin
- Swelling of the legs
Depending on whether the person has acute or chronic Hepatitis C, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Hepatitis C, as previously stated, can result in undesirable side effects such as liver cancer and scarring (cirrhosis). These and other complications can occur even if the infected individual shows no indications or symptoms of Hepatitis C. This is just one of the many reasons why hepatitis and other asymptomatic STDs should be tested.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Preventing Hepatitis C
Although vaccines for Hepatitis A and B are available, there is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C, making other prevention measures critical.
One of the most effective ways to prevent Hepatitis C is to understand how the virus spreads. Hepatitis C is transmitted through sexual and blood-to-blood contact. People with multiple partners are more likely to contract Hepatitis C. Although it is possible, HCV is less commonly transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity than other STDs. Hepatitis C is spread through open wounds, sharing razors, or sharing needles (intravenous drug usage, tattooing, and piercing).
Hepatitis was once routinely transmitted through organ transplants and blood transfusions. Still, since the 1990s, preventative measures have been in place to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. Although most professional tattoo and piercing shops take strict hygienic precautions to avoid Hepatitis C transmission, many beginner tattoo and piercing performers do not. As a result, we strongly recommend that people exercise extreme caution when participating in such activities.
It is challenging to spread Hepatitis C throughout the household. It is not spread by sharing meals, kissing, hugging, hand-holding, sneezing, or coughing. At room temperature, Hepatitis C cannot survive for more than three weeks outside the human body.
If you presume you have Hepatitis C or have been exposed to the virus, you should get tested immediately.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Testing for Hepatitis C
Testing is the only way to find out if you have HCV. Once the severity of your Hepatitis C has been decided, your doctor can provide you with the necessary treatment. For testing, only a simple blood test is required. The test detects antibodies in your system. To ensure the most reliable results, we recommend testing for Hepatitis C 8 to 9 weeks following exposure. This allows the antibodies to be found in your system.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Treatment for Hepatitis C
The harshness of your Hepatitis C infection will determine the treatment you obtain. Fortunately, treatment can cure 80 to 90 percent of people infected with HCV. Treatment will not be required for approximately 25% of those affected because their bodies will naturally fight the virus. Most of these people will be unaware that they carry Hepatitis C.
If you have acute Hepatitis C, your doctor will most likely prescribe an antiviral medication to keep chronic Hepatitis C at bay. The overall goal of treatment for acute Hepatitis C is for the patient to be virus-free for 12 weeks after finishing their medication.
Those diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis C may be provided medication to help them manage their symptoms. Some consumables, such as over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and alcohol, may cause liver damage in HCV-infected individuals. Regular visits to your doctor to review supplement, pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter medication safety will assist you in maintaining your well-being and safety.
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Pregnancy and Hepatitis C
Do you want to know if Hepatitis C is passed down from mother to child? Yes, especially for HIV-positive people. Hepatitis C affects four out of every hundred children born to a Hepatitis C-infected mother. If you suspect you are pregnant and are particularly worried about being exposed to Hepatitis C, get a Hepatitis C test as quickly as possible and notify your doctor of your symptoms.