Recognizing the Key Signs of Hepatitis C Infection

Hepatitis C is a viral illness that primarily damages the liver, the body’s largest organ. It ranks as the most prevalent blood-to-blood transmitted disease nationwide and is a significant cause for kidney transplants in developed countries. Transmission mainly occurs through sharing contaminated needles and injection drug use. The virus can survive at room temperature for nearly three weeks, making it highly infectious. Many individuals remain asymptomatic for years, often unknowingly passing the infection to others.

Early detection is vital to prevent chronic liver damage. Symptoms usually resemble other liver-related issues and can develop gradually over two decades, leading to cirrhosis if untreated. Hepatitis C is dubbed a silent epidemic because symptoms are subtle and easily overlooked.

The initial signs are often invisible, with many patients unaware of infection. When symptoms do surface, they include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice, similar to other viral illnesses. Over time, persistent infection can cause liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Transmission exclusively occurs through blood contact—other forms such as contact with insects or respiratory routes are not involved.

HCV is an RNA virus that remains dormant until it infects liver cells, replicating rapidly and leading to high viral loads. There are six main genotypes and numerous subtypes, complicating treatment. Sharing needles or drug paraphernalia is the primary route of infection, with no effective cleaning methods to eliminate the virus from contaminated instruments.

The symptoms of hepatitis C often remain dormant, sometimes for years, until significant liver damage occurs. Early symptoms resemble jaundice, including yellowing skin and eyes, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. Prompt medical intervention can halt progression and prevent chronic complications.

Chronic hepatitis C can cause severe health issues such as bleeding, anemia, easy bruising, loss of appetite, and skin discoloration. Pale urine and skin dryness accompanied by itchiness are warning signs. Fluid accumulation in the abdomen, known as ascites, feet swelling, and weight loss are common in advanced stages. Hepatic encephalopathy, characterized by confusion and drowsiness, can also occur. Notably, skin abnormalities like spider angiomas may develop as signs of liver impairment.