Hepatitis C is a liver disease that occurs as a result of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. The disease can cause illnesses ranging from a mild form that can last a few weeks to a serious illness that lasts a lifetime. HCV is usually transmitted through blood. Hepatitis C can be acute or chronic. Acute Hepatitis C is a short-term disease that occurs within 6 months after the microorganism enters the body. In most people (75-85%), acute Hepatitis C infection turns into chronic Hepatitis C infection. Chronic Hepatitis C is a disease that can continue throughout life and lead to serious health problems (cirrhosis, liver cancer) and even death. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
How is Hepatitis C Transmitted?
HCV is usually transmitted by the blood of an infected person entering the person's body. HCV can be transmitted in the following ways:
- Intravenous drug users sharing needles, etc. equipment
- Healthcare workers through needle stick accidents
- Borns of mothers carrying Hepatic C It can be transmitted to the baby
- Less commonly by sharing tools such as toothbrushes or razors
- Is Hepatitis C Transmitted Sexually?
- Yes, but through sexual intercourse. It is stated that the risk of transmission of HCV is low. The risk increases in cases of having multiple sexual partners, having another sexually transmitted disease, or being a carrier of HIV.
In what ways is HCV not transmitted?
HCV can be transmitted by eating from the same container. It is not transmitted by consuming shared food or water, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, shaking hands, coughing, sneezing, using the same toilet, swimming in the pool, playing with toys, traveling in the same vehicle, etc.
HCV is not transmitted during pregnancy. Is there a risk of transmission to the baby?
HCV does not pass to the baby during pregnancy. However, it can pass during birth, this risk is approximately 4%. The risk is also higher in those with HIV.
What are the Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis C?
Approximately 70-80% of Acute Hepatitis C patients have no symptoms. The following symptoms may be observed in some patients:
- Fever
- Weakness
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea-vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine color
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin) a)
- Joint pain
How Long After Hepatitis C Enters the Body, Symptoms Start:
In case of symptoms (most of the time they do not), HCV occurs approximately after entering the body. Symptoms begin after 6-7 weeks.
What are the symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis C?
Most patients with Chronic Hepatitis C have no symptoms. However, liver damage may have occurred in these patients. In most cases, the disease does not cause any symptoms until the liver disease reaches advanced stages. Chronic Hepatitis C is often detected by routine liver enzyme testing.
How Serious a Disease Is Chronic Hepatitis C?
Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease, long-term liver disease, It can cause liver failure, liver cancer and even death.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Hepatitis C?
For every 100 people infected with HCV:
- < Chronic Hepatitis C develops in 75-85 of them and;
- i. Chronic liver disease develops in 60-70 people
- ii. 5-20 people develop cirrhosis within 20-30 years
- iii. 1-5 die due to cirrhosis or liver cancer A screening test (Anti-HCV) is requested. If the result is positive, confirmation is made with a second test. A positive anti-HCV test indicates that the person has encountered HCV, but it does not indicate whether the infection continues.
Is There a Treatment for Hepatitis C?
Yes. There are effective treatments against the disease.
What Can Hepatitis C Patients Do to Protect Their Livers?
They should be checked regularly by their physicians who specialize in hepatitis. Alcohol should not be consumed. They should consult their physician before taking any medication. Herbal products should be avoided unless recommended by their physician.
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