Hepatitis-C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), primarily affecting the liver. It is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person, typically through sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs, receiving contaminated blood products, or, in some cases, from mother to child during childbirth.
Key Points about Hepatitis C:
- Symptoms:
- Acute Phase (initial infection): Many people do not experience symptoms during the first few weeks. If symptoms do appear, they might include:
- Fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain (especially in the upper right side)
- Dark urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic Phase: Most people who are infected with HCV develop chronic hepatitis C, which often does not cause symptoms until significant liver damage occurs. Chronic infection can lead to:
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Transmission:
- Blood-to-blood contact is the primary method of transmission. This can occur through:
- Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment.
- Receiving contaminated blood products or organ transplants (less common today due to screening).
- Sharing personal items that might have blood on them, like razors or toothbrushes.
- Sexual transmission is less standard but possible, especially with certain risk factors (e.g., multiple partners, HIV infection).
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth is also a risk, though it’s not guaranteed.
- Diagnosis:
- Blood Tests are used to diagnose hepatitis C, including:
- Anti-HCV antibody test: Detects whether the person has been exposed to the virus.
- HCV RNA test (Polymerase Chain Reaction – PCR): Determines if the virus is still present in the body and how much virus is circulating.
- Liver Function Tests: Assess how well the liver works and how much damage has occurred.
- HCV Genotype Test: Identifies the strain of the virus, which helps determine the best treatment.
- Treatment:
- Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs): These drugs have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C, with high cure rates (greater than 95%) and minimal side effects. DAAs are typically taken in pill form for 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the strain and liver health of the individual.
- Ribavirin and interferon: Older treatments that are less commonly used today due to the effectiveness of DAAs.
- The goal of treatment is to eradicate the virus from the body, which can prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, and the development of liver cancer.
- Prevention:
- No vaccine exists for hepatitis C.
- Avoid sharing needles or any other items that could be contaminated with blood.
- Safe blood products and organ transplants from screened donors reduce transmission.
- People who are at high risk, such as those who inject drugs, may benefit from regular testing and access to harm-reduction programs.
- Complications:
- Chronic Hepatitis C can lead to severe liver problems, including:
- Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
Conclusion:
Hepatitis C is a severe infection that can cause long-term damage to the liver if left untreated. Fortunately, with the advent of direct-acting antiviral treatments, hepatitis C can be cured in most cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications and improving the outlook for people with hepatitis C. Regular screening. Preventive measures are crucial, especially for individuals at high risk of contracting the virus.
-
- Hepatitis C
Velpanex 400 mg & 100 mg
- Velpanex 400 mg & 100 mg is a highly effective antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This combination of Sofosbuvir (400 mg) and Velpatasvir (100 mg) is specifically designed to target and treat all six major HCV genotypes (1-6), making it a versatile solution for patients across the globe. Known for its high cure rates…
- Read more