Common Questions About Hepatitis C You Should Know
Hepatitis C is a hidden liver infection affecting millions, often undetected for years. This article covers common questions about its causes, symptoms, transmission, and diagnosis. Early detection through blood tests is crucial to prevent serious liver complications like cirrhosis and cancer. Learn how hepatitis C spreads, symptoms to watch for, and the importance of timely medical screening for better health outcomes.
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by a blood-borne virus, affecting around 3 million individuals nationwide according to CDC data. Alarmingly, approximately 75% of those infected are unaware of their condition, as the virus can persist silently for years without symptoms, earning it the nickname "silent killer." Early detection is rare, often leading to late-stage diagnosis. Annually, hepatitis C-related liver complications claim over 15,000 lives, surpassing HIV-related deaths. Understanding the disease's nature, transmission, and symptoms is vital for early treatment and prevention.
Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation caused by various factors, including infections, toxins, or alcohol. Types such as hepatitis A, B, and C differ in causes, transmission, and risks. hepatitis A results from contaminated food, while hepatitis B spreads through bodily fluids. Hepatitis C primarily spreads via infected blood, often through intravenous drug use or unsafe medical practices.
Acute hepatitis C represents initial infection, often with mild or no symptoms, and clears spontaneously in some cases. However, in many individuals, it progresses into chronic hepatitis C, persisting for life and risking cirrhosis or cancer. Symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and flu-like symptoms often help with diagnosis, though symptoms can be nonspecific. Blood tests such as the Hep C antibody test and RNA tests are key to confirming infection and assessing viral load.
