Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a serious health concern. This disease is impacting the lives of millions of people around the world. It is an infection of the liver. The major source of it is the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It increases the risk of major liver diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Unlike Hepatitis A and B, It is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact. It has more chances of developing into a chronic disease if not treated properly.

Bodily Indications of Hepatitis C

1. Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is one of the most common symptoms. It can be overwhelming and interfere with daily activities, often making individuals feel persistently tired despite adequate rest.



2. Jaundice

Jaundice occurs when the liver is unable to process bilirubin, a substance produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. This leads to a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.



3. Dark Urine

The urine may turn dark brown or tea-colored, which is a sign of bilirubin being excreted through the kidneys due to liver dysfunction.



4. Abdominal Pain

Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located, can be a sign of liver inflammation or damage.



5. Loss of Appetite

Individuals may experience a diminished desire to eat, often accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting.



6. Itchy Skin

Itching without a rash can be a result of bile salts accumulating in the bloodstream due to liver dysfunction.



7. Muscle Pain

Muscular aches or soreness can be a symptom, often affecting various parts of the body.

Risk Factors of Hepatitis C

1. History of Drug Use

The use of intravenous drugs is the primary trigger for hepatitis C. This disease can spread easily from the misuse of syringes or needles. Blood from one person may stay in the equipment. This can pass the disease to others by sharing needles or syringes with people.



2. Exposure to Hepatitis C through Healthcare

Needle stick injuries can spread Hepatitis C disease. People in the healthcare sector are at greater risk of getting the disease. It is mandatory to regulate the use of needle safety devices and dispose of sharps properly.



3. Mother to Baby transmission

A mother having Hepatitis C can pass the disease to her baby during the process of giving birth. This happens when the baby comes in contact with the mother's blood or body fluids during delivery.



4. Presence of HIV

Hepatitis C-infected people who also have HIV have a greater possibility of getting hepatitis C disease. They are also probable to developing more severe liver disease. HIV weakens immune functions by increasing the effects of hepatitis C leading to the the worsening of liver disease.



5. Long-Term Hemodialysis

Long-term hemodialysis is a crucial treatment for the failure of the kidney. It can create a possibility of getting infected by hepatitis C. It is due to the blood-to-blood contact procedure.

Safety Measures for Hepatitis C

Preventing hepatitis C involves avoiding exposure to the virus. Key preventive measures include:

1. Avoid Sharing Needles

Do not share needles, syringes, or other drug paraphernalia. Programs offering needle exchange services can help reduce the spread of the virus.



2. Ensure Safe Medical Practices

Make sure any medical or cosmetic procedures involving needles, such as tattoos or piercings, are performed using sterile equipment. This also applies to healthcare settings where infection control practices must be strictly followed.



3. Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Razors, toothbrushes, nail cutters, etc. are personal care things. They need not to be shared with anyone not even with the blood relations. These things may come into contact with blood. They can be the major source of spreading the disease.



4. Education and Awareness

It is the high time to spread information about hepatitis C among people. They need to know about its transmission, and preventive measures to prevent the disease. Enlightenment about the disease can promote safer practices among people.



5. Testing and Screening

The individuals who are at risk need to get routine hepatitis C screening. Getting proper treatment on time can save one's life. It can also stop the spread of the virus.

You are advised to consult your doctor if you feel any uncertainty in your health. You can also book an appointment with a healthcare professional through the platform of PrimeMedic to get your health-related problem resolved. As it can be a chronic disease, so you must need to consult a healthcare professional on time for appropriate treatment.