It is important to take a few precautions to prevent the spread of Hepatitis C. Steps such as avoiding sharing infected needles, avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse, ensuring that a tattoo or piercing is done in a hygienic environment before getting a tattoo or piercing, and ensuring that healthcare workers do not use contaminated needles or tools can help prevent the spread of the disease.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is bloodborne and can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected person. Particularly risky behaviors such as sharing infected needles, using contaminated instruments during medical procedures, or unprotected sexual intercourse can spread hepatitis C. It can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or birth.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?
The symptoms of Hepatitis C are often mild and vague, so many people do not notice or underestimate the disease. However, it can cause serious damage to the liver in the long run. This damage can cause serious health problems such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C is extremely important.
How is Hepatitis C transmitted?
The most common ways hepatitis C is transmitted are:
- Blood transfusion
- needle sharing
- Needle stick accidents in healthcare workers
- Transmission from birth to mother
- sexual contact
- In some cases, tattoo or piercing (infected materials)
Is Hepatitis C sexually transmitted?
Hepatitis C can be transmitted sexually, but the risk of transmission is very low. Although sexual contact is not the most common way of transmission of Hepatitis C, situations such as unprotected sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partners are among the risk factors.
How is Hepatitis C treated?
Hepatitis C treatment is done with drugs called direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAA). These medications work by stopping the virus from multiplying and removing the virus from the body. Usually 2 or more DAAs are used in combination for a specified period of time. Hepatitis C treatment usually takes 8-12 weeks, but can sometimes extend to 12-24 weeks. Treatment completely eliminates (cure) the virus in most patients. The cure rate varies depending on the drugs used and the patient’s virus type. After successful treatment, hepatitis C cannot be transmitted again.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, please consult your doctor.