Hepatitis C isinflammation of the liver due to hepatitis C virus infection. Some people with hepatitis C can experience chronic liver disease, up to liver cancer.
Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, which is when the patient's blood enters another person's blood vessel. In addition, hepatitis C can also be transmitted through unprotected sex with sufferers.
Hepatitis C is prone to occur when:
- Share personal equipment, such as toothbrushes, scissors, or nail clippers, with the sufferer.
- Obtaining medical procedures with non-sterile equipment.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms in the early stages. This results in the patient not knowing that he has hepatitis C until his condition is chronic.
However, not all hepatitis C develops chronically. Nearly half of people with hepatitis C will recover on their own.
Symptoms usually appear when chronic infection from hepatitis has caused damage to the liver. Symptoms that can be caused are weakness, no appetite, and jaundice.
Hepatitis C diagnosis
To detect the hepatitis C virus, the doctor will perform a blood test, namely an antibody test against hepatitis C and a genetic test for the virus itself in the blood (HCV RNA). Then, the patient needs to undergo further tests such as: fibroscan and liver biopsy, to determine the extent of liver damage.
Hepatitis C Treatment and Complications
Some people with hepatitis C get better on their own, but others become chronic. Patients with chronic hepatitis C can experience complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Therefore, the doctor will determine whether or not treatment of hepatitis C with antiviral drugs is necessary. If a person with hepatitis C has experienced complications, the doctor may suggest a liver transplant.
Hepatitis C Prevention
There is no specific vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. However, there are several ways that can be done to prevent infection due to the hepatitis C virus. Steps to prevent hepatitis C include:
- Do not share the use of personal items with others.
- Choose a piercing or tattoo with disposable equipment.
- Do not change sexual partners.
- Don't share needles.