Hepatitis C is a serious health issue in the United States and worldwide. It is an infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver and can cause inflammation, resulting in liver damage, liver failure and even cancer.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with contaminated blood, such as from sharing needles, tattoos and body piercings. It’s estimated that 3.2-4.8 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C, and one in forty people worldwide has it. Furthermore, 17,000 people in the US are estimated to die every year due to complication from hepatitis C.
The early stages of Hepatitis C infection are often asymptomatic or mild, so many people do not know they are infected. If their infection isn’t discovered right away, or is caught late and allowed to progress too far, it can cause serious and longterm problems in the patient’s liver. Over the long-term, it can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure and even death.
Someone with hepatitis C may experience signs and symptoms such as fever, tiredness, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
If you think you’ve been exposed to hepatitis C, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away. Doctors can test for the virus, which is especially important if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Treatment can range from medications, lifestyle changes, and lots of rest, to more intensive treatments such as interferon, depending on the patient’s needs.
It’s also important to practice prevention techniques against hepatitis C including, abstaining from illicit drugs, avoiding sharing of needles, and not sharing razors. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to practice good hygiene when engaging in any kind of activity that might even possibly involve contact with someone else’s blood, such as getting a tattoo or piercing.
Having hepatitis C makes it important to stay informed, as new treatments and information about the virus is constantly emerging. However, arming yourself with this knowledge, and visiting your doctor regularly for screenings for hepatitis C, can help ensure a longer, healthier lifespan.