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Symptoms of Hepatitis C

In many cases, people with HCV do not experience symptoms until the virus has already caused significant liver damage. This can take decades, which is why Hepatitis C is often referred to as the "silent epidemic." However, some people with acute or newly contracted Hepatitis C may experience symptoms including:


  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Nausea or poor appetite
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Dark urine
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Abdominal pain


Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of contracting HCV, including:


  • History of injection drug use: Sharing needles is the most common method of HCV transmission.
  • Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992: Before this date, blood and organs were not tested for HCV.
  • Healthcare workers with needlestick injuries: The risk of HCV transmission is low but possible.
  • Individuals with HIV: There is a higher prevalence of HCV among those with HIV.
  • Received hemodialysis: Those with long-term kidney dialysis have an increased risk.
  • Born to a mother with HCV: There's a small risk of mother-to-child transmission.


Hepatitis C Testing

If you have identified potential symptoms or risk factors, the next step is to get tested. The process usually involves two tests:


  1. HCV Antibody Test: This is the initial test to determine if you have ever been infected with the virus. If this test is positive, it means you have been exposed to the virus, but it doesn't necessarily mean you are currently infected.
  2. HCV RNA Test: If the antibody test is positive, this test is done to determine if the virus is still present in your body. It measures the number of viral RNA particles in your blood, indicating a current infection.


Please contact your doctor to get tested.


Diagnosis and Next Steps

If you test positive for the virus, it's important to remember that Hepatitis C is curable. The treatment approach depends on various factors, including the type of HCV, the degree of liver damage, and other medical conditions you may have.

Your healthcare provider will guide you through the process, which usually involves taking a regimen of antiviral medications for several weeks. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are the current standard of care, with cure rates over 90%.


Treatment
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