Hepatitis C is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver. Taking into account that the liver is a vital organ whose functions are to store energy, vitamins and minerals, help digest food, remove harmful substances from the blood and fight infections, it is necessary to try to achieve early detection of the disease with the in order to eliminate the virus and that hepatitis C does not become chronic. Something that would pose a serious health risk, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
Getting hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by a virus and from there, the disease spreads from one person to another. The situations through which hepatitis C can be spread are varied, including being born to a mother who had the disease during pregnancy, having unprotected sex with an infected person, getting a tattoo or piercing with instruments unsterile, as well as sharing needles, razors, or blades with a person who has the disease. But health professionals who come into contact with blood and some people who received a transfusion before July 1992 are also at risk for hepatitis C.
Symptoms and treatment
The problem for early detection of hepatitis C is that it is a disease that does not show symptoms until the liver is already badly damaged. Some of the symptoms are jaundice, abdominal pain, pale stools and cloudy urine, lack of appetite, fatigue, fever, nausea, etc.
Given these symptoms, hepatitis C can be diagnosed through a blood test, although sometimes a liver biopsy will be necessary. Recommended treatment is determined by the state of the liver. It generally consists of antiviral drugs for a time that can vary from 24 to 48 weeks. In the most serious cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
How to prevent hepatitis C
Given the methods of transmission of the disease, we have at our disposal some means to avoid contracting hepatitis C. Health professionals must take due precautions when handling blood and body fluids so as not to accidentally become infected. For the rest of the people, the recommendations are the same as to avoid the transmission of any other disease, that is, do not share needles, toothbrushes, razors or blades, make sure that the tattoo instruments are sterilized and use condoms during sexual intercourse.
Taking into account that hepatitis C is a disease that does not present symptoms after about 10 years, and that at that time the damage caused to the liver may already be irreversible, it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have found yourself at any time in a situation that involves a risk of contagion.