Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood. The infection often occurs without symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and joint pain. In 5 to 10 percent of infected individuals, jaundice also occurs. In 70 to 80 percent of cases, the disease becomes chronic, and liver cirrhosis may develop. People affected by this have an increased risk of developing liver cell cancer.
How can I protect myself from Hepatitis C?
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. You can protect yourself by avoiding contact with other people’s blood. Special attention should be paid to hygiene standards when getting tattoos or piercings, or when sterilizing medical instruments. Sharing equipment for intravenous drug use should be avoided. Under certain circumstances, hepatitis C can also be transmitted through rough or injury-prone sexual contact — in such cases, avoiding contact with blood is especially important.
What should you know about Hepatitis C?
The test for hepatitis C detects specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus. If antibodies are present in the blood, this indicates a past or current infection with the virus. To confirm an active hepatitis C infection, the blood is further tested for the presence of the virus (viral load).
If a hepatitis C infection does not clear up on its own, it can be treated with antiviral medications. In over 90% of infected individuals, such treatment is successful.
There is no protective immunity after recovery — individuals can become reinfected.
Do you have any questions or would you like to book an appointment?
