Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing inflammation and swelling, which gradually harms liver tissues over time. It’s crucial to know that half of those with HCV are unaware of their infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Given that the symptoms of hepatitis C are often mistaken for other conditions, it’s helpful to gather information on this topic online before consulting a doctor.
What Is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by HCV, which can result in either a mild illness lasting a few weeks or a severe, long-lasting condition, as explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The infection is categorized as either “acute,” meaning a recent infection, or “chronic,” meaning a long-term infection.
How Is Hepatitis C Spread?
HCV is transmitted through blood. It can spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, leading to contamination in your bloodstream, as clarified by WebMD.
Exposure can occur through sharing needles, during sexual intercourse (especially with multiple partners or if one partner has HIV or another sexually transmitted disease), accidental pricks from infected needles, transmission from an infected mother during childbirth, sharing personal hygiene items (such as a toothbrush or razor blades), or getting a tattoo or piercing with equipment that hasn’t been properly sterilized.
Who Should Undergo Hepatitis C Testing?
The CDC recommends that all adults aged 18 and older undergo testing at least once in their lifetime, even if they don’t have symptoms or a known liver disease. Additionally, testing is recommended for pregnant individuals (with testing during each pregnancy), people who currently inject drugs (with regular testing), or those who have injected drugs in the past.
Treatment: Antiviral Medications
Hepatitis C can be treated with various medications. The specific medication prescribed depends on the strain of the virus present, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic.
The most common treatment involves antiviral medications (such as Mavyret). However, Healthline notes that Ribovirin may be prescribed if previous treatments were unsuccessful. Another type of medication known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can eliminate the HCV from your body and prevent liver damage, according to the source.
Treatment: Liver Transplantation
In cases of advanced liver disease, such as cirrhosis, merely treating the underlying hepatitis C infection may not be sufficient. At this stage, when liver failure is imminent, the only viable treatment option is a liver transplant, as indicated by the Cleveland Clinic.
