Hepatitis C virus (HCV), is transmitted by blood and causes damage to the liver over time. This disease is most commonly found in the senior citizen population, as the virus was discovered recently (1989), and this population was not previously assessed for it. Although there are ways to treat hepatitis C, it is important to identify the presence of the virus as soon as possible, as it negatively impacts liver function and can even result in liver failure, if left untreated. [1, 2]
Causes of the Virus
In the beginning, the acute phase of hepatitis C is easy to miss, as this phase tends to present with few, if any, symptoms. If left untreated (and if the body is unable to effectively clear the virus on its own), acute hepatitis C becomes a chronic condition. Since about 50% of the individuals with the virus are unaware of their infection, it is important to understand the causes and symptoms associated with hepatitis C and to get tested routinely. [1, 2]
On a basic level, hepatitis C is transmitted via contaminated blood. An individual who does not have the virus would need to have contact with the contaminated blood, and it would need to enter his or her bloodstream. This could occur by way of unprotected sexual contact, being stuck by a needle used by someone with hepatitis C, or any other medium of transmission that results in contact of infected blood with uninfected blood. [1, 2]
There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of exposure to hepatitis C. Anyone who received a blood or organ transplant prior to 1992 should be assessed to see if they have been unintentionally infected with the virus through the transfusion. People who have used recreational drugs (intravenously or nasally), been incarcerated, or have received a tattoo from needles that may not have been sterilized are also at increased risk of infection exposure. [1, 2]
In addition, there are other populations who pose an increased risk for hepatitis C infection. For example, children born to a mother with the virus could have acquired the virus in the womb. Healthcare workers who have been accidentally stuck by a needle will also want to be tested to ensure they have not been infected. People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are immunocompromised, in general, and would benefit from routine assessment for hepatitis C. As noted previously, senior citizens are at increased risk as well and should check with their doctors regarding recommended testing. [1, 2]
Symptoms to Monitor
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to identify hepatitis C during the acute phase, as the virus does not always present with distinguishable symptoms (or even with symptoms at all). For some, it can take up to 10 years to present with symptoms, which increases the risk of more significant liver damage. [1]
Although symptoms may vary, some patients do show early warning signs of possible infection. These include: frequent bleeding/bruising, decrease in appetite with weight loss, stomach pain, swelling in the legs or abdomen, nausea, fatigue, jaundice (yellowish skin tone or eye color), urine that is dark in color, pain in the joints, fever, and discolored feces. [1, 2]
Individuals who are experiencing these symptoms should check in with their medical provider to see if they are appropriate to be tested for the virus. Additionally, anyone who has had exposure to blood that is possibly infected (even by way of personal care items, such as contact with an infected shaving razor or toothbrush) may want to consider getting tested. [1, 2]
Diagnosis of Hepatitis C
Like many viruses, hepatitis C may not initially be traceable through a blood test. In fact, it can take up to 10 weeks after the exposure for the virus to be found in the blood, so this is something to keep in mind when getting tested. [1]
Additional testing may depend on the recommendation of your doctor following positive results for HCV antibodies. This may include additional bloodwork or biopsy of the liver (to assess for damage). Less invasive diagnostic tools include magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and transient elastography, both of which assess the level of stiffness of the liver, which is indicative the amount of damage/scar tissue. These assessments help your doctor to effectively guide decisions for your treatment. [1, 2]
Treatment and Protection
Luckily, there are treatment options for individuals with hepatitis C. Patients are often prescribed oral antivirals for a period of time (generally, around 12 weeks). The particular prescription may be dependent on the genotype of the virus, the progression of the disease, and any preexisting diagnoses. Individuals with chronic hepatitis C who have significant liver damage may need to have a liver transplant. [1, 2]
Additionally, the are other lifestyle factors that could be implemented at home to help reduce the risk of causing further liver damage if you have hepatitis C, such as avoiding alcohol and refraining from use of medications that are bad for the liver. This includes some medications that can be found on your pharmacy shelf, so it is important to talk to your doctor about which medications are safe for you. [2]
In general, it is wise to avoid shared use of items such as razors or toothbrushes, as they can transmit blood from an infected individual to a non-infected individual. As always, use of protection during sexual contact is recommended to reduce the risk of disease exposure. Avoid using illicit drugs, especially those that could result in transmission of blood. If you plan to get a tattoo, be sure to check with the facility and ensure that all needles being used are clean and sterile. [2]
While there is not currently a vaccine for hepatitis C, there are vaccines for hepatitis A and B. An individual can acquire all three of these viruses; therefore, it is important to get vaccinated to protect yourself from the viruses that have vaccines available. [2]
Complications of the Virus
Although hepatitis C can be treated, it is important to be routinely assessed for the virus (particularly if you have any of the risk factors mentioned above) in order to prevent complications, as they can become more serious over time. [1]
Some of the negative complications of the virus include liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. These conditions are serious and can unfortunately result in prolonged illness or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to be routinely tested for the virus so that it can be caught (and, hopefully, treated) early. It is recommended to check in with your doctor if you have risk factors, have had a possible exposure, or would simply like to be tested during your yearly physical. [2]
References:
[1] https://www.nation.com/hepatitis-c-the-facts-everyone-should-know/
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/symptoms-causes/syc-20354278