Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a liver disease that occurs as a result of infection. The disease can lead to diseases ranging from a mild form that can last for a few weeks to a lifelong serious illness.
What is Hepatitis C?
A liver disease resulting from hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a disease. The disease can lead to illness ranging from a mild form that can last for a few weeks to a lifelong serious illness. 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 the majority of people (75-85%), acute hepatitis C infection turns into chronic hepatitis C infection. Chronic hepatitis C is a lifelong disease that can 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 body. HCV can be transmitted in the following ways:
- With injecting drug users sharing needles, etc.
- With needle stick accidents by healthcare workers
- It can be transmitted to a baby born to a mother with Hepatic C
- Less common with common use of toothbrush or razor etc.
Is Hepatitis C Sexually Transmitted?
Yes, but It is stated that the risk of transmission of HCV through sexual intercourse is low. The risk increases in the presence of multiple sexual partners, having another sexually transmitted disease or being HIV carrier. HCV is not transmitted to the baby by consuming 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.
Is There a Risk of Transmission?
HCV is not transmitted to the baby during pregnancy. However, it can pass during childbirth, this risk is about 4%. The risk is also higher in those who are HIV carriers.
What are the Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis C?
About 70-80% of patients with acute hepatitis C have no symptoms at all. In some patients the symptoms may be seen:
- Fever,
- Weakness,
- Anorexia,
- Nausea-vomiting,
- Abdominal pain,
- Dark urine color,
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin),
- Joint pain.
How Long After Hepatitis C Enters the Body? /p> 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 show any symptoms until the liver disease is advanced. Chronic Hepatitis C is often detected by routine liver enzyme testing.
How Serious Is Chronic Hepatitis C?
Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease In the long term, it can cause liver disease, liver failure, liver cancer and even death. chronic hepatitis C develops, of which 60-70 develop chronic liver disease, 5-20 develop cirrhosis within 20-30 years, 1-5 die due to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Which Tests Are Performed for the Diagnosis of Hepatitis C?
First of all, a screening test (Anti-HCV) that detects antibodies against HCV in the blood is requested as a screening test. 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 does not indicate whether the infection is continuing.
Is there a cure for hepatitis C?
Yes . There are effective treatments available against the disease.
What Can Hepatitis C Patients Do to Protect Their Liver?
They should regularly check with their physicians who are experts in hepatitis. Alcohol should not be consumed. They should consult their physician before taking any medication. Herbal products should be avoided unless recommended by physicians.
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