Hepatitis C, which is not recognized until its late stages, is extremely difficult to recognize in its early stages. Because it does not give any symptoms in the early stages, and if it does, it manifests itself with symptoms such as indigestion and weakness that can be seen in many diseases.
Hepatitis C is a disease that 70 million patients worldwide struggle with. The number of patients struggling with Hepatitis C disease caused by the HCV virus in our country is approximately 750 thousand people.
How is Hepatitis C transmitted?
Hepatitis C is one of the diseases transmitted from person to person. Hepatitis C, which is transmitted through the bloodstream, is therefore frequently seen in people who are given blood and blood products and in drug users.
Since drug use is not widespread in our country, Hepatitis C transmission through this route is rare. On the other hand, blood banks, which are responsible for transfusions of blood products, test all the blood they receive for Hepatitis C and other infectious diseases. In addition, since medical supplies are produced from disposable and sterile materials, it has become extremely difficult to be infected by this method.
Whether hepatitis C is sexually transmitted is still a controversial issue. On the other hand, polygamy is thought to increase the risk of hepatitis C. However, in cases such as any injury or trauma during sexual intercourse, transmission of hepatitis C is considered highly likely. Contrary to popular belief, hepatitis C is not transmitted through social contacts at home, work or in social environments. The hepatitis C virus is also not transmitted through toilet bowls or pools and is not carried by mosquitoes. In our country, the incidence of hepatitis C is 3 in every 1000 people.
On the other hand, blood-borne diseases are usually transmitted through personal hygiene products with blood on them. Examples of these are razor blades, nail clippers and toothbrushes. There is also a high risk of transmission of the disease in dental treatments performed with instruments that are not properly sterilized.
Another environment where hepatitis C is frequently transmitted is manicure, pedicure and tattoo tools that are not properly sterilized. These instruments, which serve many people, need to be disposable or well sterilized.
Although hepatitis C is rare, it can also be transmitted to patients through infected organ transplants. However, this is rare because Hepatitis C is also included in the tests performed before organ transplantation.
Women who are hepatitis C carriers have a 10% chance of transmitting hepatitis C to their babies during pregnancy. In addition, the hepatitis C virus is not transmitted to the baby through breastfeeding. On the other hand, breastfeeding should be interrupted in case of a cracked nipple during breastfeeding or if the mother’s viral load is too high.
Hepatitis C Symptoms
Hepatitis C occurs both acutely and chronically. For this reason, the symptoms vary depending on whether the disease is acute or chronic.
Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis C
Acute hepatitis C is the type that lasts less than 6 months and the viruses are completely cleared from the body as a result of the disease. However, liver failure can also occur in patients with acute hepatitis C. Symptoms seen in patients with acute hepatitis C are as follows.
- Rare jaundice,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired all the time,
- Flu-like symptoms,
Chronic Hepatitis C Symptoms
Liver failure and other complications occur many years after the first symptoms of chronic hepatitis C. The first symptoms of chronic hepatitis C include the following.
- A feeling of mild fatigue,
- Cognitive problems,
How is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?
Unlike other types of hepatitis, hepatitis C does not usually cause jaundice. It is therefore extremely difficult to diagnose the disease at its initial stage. While 30% of patients diagnosed with hepatitis C make a full recovery, in 70% of patients the disease becomes chronic.
Between 20% and 30% of patients with chronic hepatitis C develop cirrhosis. In addition, liver cancer is seen in 2% of chronic patients. However, these complications in patients develop over the years. Therefore, it takes 10 years for the disease to become chronic, 20 years to develop cirrhosis and 30 years to develop liver cancer. Hepatitis C is a slowly progressive disease and men over the age of 40 who consume alcohol are more likely to develop cirrhosis.
HTo diagnose hepatitis C, 2 different tests are used. These tests are antibody testing and PCR testing. The results of the tests are available within 2 weeks.
In addition to these tests, some blood tests and ultrasonographic examinations are also performed to assess the condition of the liver, especially after the diagnosis of hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C Treatment
Early diagnosis of hepatitis C patients usually occurs when they are discovered by chance as a result of examinations for other reasons. If diagnosed during this period, the chances of recovery are high.
There are 2 medicines approved by the FDA for the treatment of hepatitis C. Although these drugs are not yet in use in our country, it is stated that Hepatitis C disease will be completely cured when they start to be used in our country.
During the 3-month treatment period with these medicines, tablets are taken orally during the day. Another effect of the drugs is to prevent the risk of cirrhosis.
Things to Consider for Hepatitis C Patients
Both hepatitis C patients and carriers are at risk of transmitting the disease to other people. For this reason, these people need to be extremely careful.
It is extremely important for people diagnosed with hepatitis C to be under regular medical supervision. They should also have liver function tests twice a year and especially avoid alcohol. If hepatitis C patients have to take medication for any reason, they should first consult their physician.
Ways to Prevent Hepatitis C
Lack of any vaccine to protect against hepatitis C so everyone needs to protect themselves against this disease. To do this, they must first avoid unsafe sex. In addition, it is important to pay attention to whether the instruments used for applications such as piercing, tattooing, manicure and pedicure, which may disrupt skin integrity, are sterile.
