Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and can lead to severe organ damage. The virus can incubate in the body for up to 6 months before acute infection sets in, which can last for 3 months. Unfortunately, most people who are infected do not experience symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. If left untreated, the virus can develop into chronic Hepatitis C. Read this article to learn more about Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C signs and symptoms
Hepatitis C is generally a silent infection. However, as the condition progresses, one may exhibit the following symptoms:
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
People with chronic Hepatitis C usually experience certain symptoms when the virus damages the liver. These include:
Joint pain
Dark-colored urine and light-colored stool
Jaundice
Nausea or vomiting
People at risk of exposure to the virus should undergo regular Hepatitis C screening for an early diagnosis.
Hepatitis C causes
Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus that is spread through contact with blood. This transmission can happen in the following ways:
Sharing needles
People get infected with Hepatitis C when they share needles or syringes.
Birth
Women infected with Hepatitis C can pass the disease to their infants during birth.
Sharing personal items
Sharing personal items which may have blood on them, such as toothbrushes, nail clippers, and razors, can increase the risk.
Unprotected sex
The virus can spread during sexual intercourse, especially during menstruation or if the person has HIV or STD.
Sharing tattoo or piercing tools
Unclean equipment like tattoos or piercing tools can also expose a person to the virus.
Needle-stick injuries
Healthcare workers are most likely to get the virus using infected needles.
Hepatitis C treatment
Hepatitis C treatment is recommended for both acute and chronic conditions. If the infection gets diagnosed in the early stages, it can be treated with antivirals.
In cases where Hepatitis C causes cirrhosis leading to liver failure, transplantation may be required to replace the failed organ.
Natural remedies for Hepatitis C
Milk thistle
The milk thistle plant is a popular herb that can help promote liver health. The active ingredient in it, silymarin, is known for its medicinal properties.
Eating healthy food
Eating healthy food can help limit the damage to the liver. Some foods to help with Hepatitis C management include sweet potatoes, bananas, healthy fats like avocados, and lean protein like fish, turkey, or skinless chicken.
Prevention
If one wants to get a piercing or tattoo, it’s important to find a reliable shop. Before the procedure, ask about the cleaning process of the equipment and ensure that the employees use sterile needles. In case the employees refuse to answer these queries, it would be best to find another shop.
It is also important to avoid having unprotected sex with multiple partners or anyone whose health status is uncertain in order to avoid getting infected.
Conclusion
There is no cure for Chronic Hepatitis C. As the condition progresses, it can result in serious health issues like liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and even death. It is best to take precautionary measures to avoid getting infected with the virus.
