Introduction

It is one of the viruses that causes inflammation of the Liver and is rampant in our population. It can remain silent for long and may not show any signs or symptoms, hence, the importance of screening of high risk populations. Chronic infection can lead to Cirrhosis (scarring of the Liver), Liver Failure, and Liver Cancer. There has been a great advancement in the treatment of Hepatitis C as previously it was treated with injections that carried a list of adverse effects. In contrary, now we have safe and effective oral medicines that can cure the infection.

Symptoms

Like Hepatitis B, it can be silent without any symptoms. The symptoms usually occur in chronically infected patients where the Liver has been silently damaged by the virus. They include:

Fatigue

Yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin (Jaundice)

Nausea

Low grade fever

Joint pain

Upper abdominal discomfort

Drowsiness especially in cases with persistent (chronic) liver disease, a sign of worsening disease

Fluid in the abdomen especially in cases with persistent (chronic) Liver disease, also a sign of worsening disease etc.

Risk Factors

Needle stick injuries

Injectable drug abuse

HIV

Body piercing

Long term hemodialysis

Sexual transmission may occur but the risk is low

Transmission from Mother to Child

Blood transfusions due to improper screening of blood

Prevention

No vaccine is available for prevention of Hepatitis C, hence, the best way to prevent Hepatitis C is to avoid the risk factors responsible for the spread of the infection. Education for the patients and general public regarding the risk factors and prevention practices such as personal shaving kits, safe & proper injection use, avoiding injectable drug abuse, proper handling and discard of the sharps is an important tool to break the cycle of transmission. Getting tested for Hepatitis C in the presence of risk factors and early treatment can prevent long term and serious complications.

Diagnosis

A specific set of blood test is needed for diagnosis of Hepatitis C. Further tests may be needed to assess the extent of Liver damage. These include Ultrasound abdomen and other tests as recommended by the Doctor.

Treatment

Effective and safe oral drugs are available that can completely eradicate Hepatitis C virus. These drugs are usually once a day pill taken for 3-6 months. Every positive case requires treatment. People with Chronic Liver Damage due to Hepatitis C are managed with medications and may require Liver Transplant and need to follow up regularly with their doctor.

There is no vaccination for Hepatitis C, however, you should get yourself vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B viruses.