Hepatitis C is a viral condition that causes inflammation and damages in your liver which can create further problems in your organs. This condition can be spread specifically through contact with blood of a person that’s infected. Hepatitis C has been found to be the most common viral infection. For that reason, it’s important that you learn more about this condition to prevent getting it. Here at Digestive and Liver Center we’re here to keep you informed!
Types of Hepatitis C
Similar to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C has two types, these are:
- Acute Hepatitis C: it’s a short term infection that sometimes your body can fight it on it’s own. If you get any symptoms it can last up to 6 months.
- Chronic Hepatitis C: this is a long term condition that your body can’t fight on it’s own. Usually 85% of the people that have acute Hepatitis C will develop chronic Hepatitis C.
People more likely to get Hepatitis C
- People that have tattoos or piercings
- People that are in kidney dialysis
- People that have been in contact with blood and/or needles
- People that have HIV
How can you get Hepatitis C
- Sharing drug needles with a person infected.
- Having any contact with the blood of a person that is infected.
- Sharing razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers with the person infected.
- Being born of a mother that has the condition.
- Having unprotected intercourse with a person that has the infection.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
A person can have Hepatitis C and still not get any symptoms. If a person infected do get symptoms it can be the following:
- Fever
- Dark yellow urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
Complications
When you’re not treated for Hepatitis C, it can turn in other, severe conditions such as:
- Cirrhosis: this is a condition in which the liver slowly stops working properly.
- Liver failure: the liver starts to fail to the point in which it can’t do the important functions in the system.
- Liver cancer: having chronic Hepatitis C means that with the years, if it’s not treated, you can develop liver cancer.
Blood Test doctors use to diagnose Hepatitis C
There are a couple of blood test doctors can use to see if the person is infected or not. Which they take samples and send to the laboratory. These tests are:
- Screening test for antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus
- Hepatitis C RNA test
- Genotype test
Prevention
Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine currently available to prevent getting Hepatitis C. But you can do other things to prevent getting it such as:
- Not sharing needles
- Wearing gloves when dealing with other person’s blood
- Not sharing your personal care products such as toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers
- Make sure that the tattoo artists use clean and disinfected needles
It’s important you talk with your doctor if you get any symptoms or feel like you might be a high risk person of getting Hepatitis C. If you have any questions or concerns you can call and make an appointment with one of our GI experts in Orlando at 407-384-7388
