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Understanding Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Hepatitis C, commonly referred to as hep C, is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues, including liver cancer and liver failure. However, with proper treatment, most people can be cured of the infection.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a type of liver infection that causes inflammation of the liver. According to research, approximately 2 million people in the United States had hep C between 2013 and 2016, and the rate of new infections continues to rise. The virus spreads through contact with the blood of someone who has the virus, typically through sharing needles or having unprotected sex with an infected person.

Types of Hepatitis C

There are two types of hep C: acute and chronic. Acute hep C occurs in the first six months of infection, and in some cases, the body can fight off the virus on its own. However, in more than half of people who contract hep C, the infection will become chronic. Chronic hep C lasts a long time and can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Most people with acute hep C don’t have any symptoms, but about one in three or four people will experience symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Chronic hep C may not cause any symptoms until it progresses and starts to cause liver complications, which can happen decades after exposure to the virus.

Signs Your Hep C May Be Getting Worse

If you’ve received a diagnosis of hep C or are at high risk for it, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms. Some signs that your hep C may be getting worse include:

• Dark Urine: A buildup of bilirubin in the blood can cause dark urine.
• Clay-Colored Stool: Liver damage can affect bile production, leading to light-colored stool.
• Abdominal Pain: Liver inflammation can cause pain in the upper right part of the abdomen.
• Jaundice: A buildup of bilirubin in the blood can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Hep C can cause nausea, and in severe cases, vomiting blood.
• Loss of Appetite: Changes in appetite and food intake can occur in people with chronic hep C.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time can be a symptom of acute and chronic hep C.
• Joint and Muscle Pain: The hep C virus can trigger pain in the muscles and joints.
• Fluid Retention: Liver damage can cause fluid buildup in the legs, abdomen, and other areas.

Treatment and Prevention

Hepatitis C is treated with direct-acting antiviral medications, which can cure about 95% of cases. However, many people don’t have access to treatment or don’t know they have hep C until it has caused significant liver damage. Health insurance eligibility restrictions and high medication costs can also hinder access to treatment.

To prevent hep C, avoid sharing needles, practice safe sex, and avoid sharing personal care items with someone who has the virus. If you’re at high risk for hep C, get regular screenings from a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the final stages of hep C?: End-stage liver disease and liver failure can occur if the hep C virus causes significant and irreversible liver disease.
• How long does it take for hep C to destroy your liver?: Chronic hepatitis usually damages the liver slowly, taking about 20 years to cause significant scarring.
• How long can you live with hep C without treatment?: People with chronic hep C can live for decades without treatment, but early treatment saves lives and reduces the risk of liver cancer.

The Takeaway

Hepatitis C is a curable infection that affects the liver. With proper treatment and screening, most people can manage the infection and prevent serious health issues. If you have hep C or are at high risk of getting it, visit a doctor for proper treatment and care.