Almost 80% of people affected by the Hepatitis C virus do not know that they have the virus and develop a long-term infection. The Hepatitis C virus infects the liver, and a chronic infection may result in serious health conditions like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Since the condition shows little or no symptoms, diagnosis becomes difficult. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent severe damage to the liver and promote long-term health.

What are the causes and symptoms?
As earlier stated, the condition shows no symptoms in most cases. However, a few common symptoms are:

• Jaundice
• Stomach ache
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

The disease is contagious and can spread through blood or other bodily fluids.

• Sharing of needles
• Sexual intercourse
• Using the same needle as the infected person
• Passed to the newborn when the mother is infected

How is it diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects a Hep C infection, he will prescribe a blood test to confirm the infection.

Treatment options

Acute (Short term) Hep C is not treated because most people do not know that they are affected by the virus. For chronic Hep C, the doctor prescribes a combination of antiviral medicines. The treatment depends on the strain of the virus. The most common type is genotype 1.

Can you prevent yourself from Hep C infection?

There is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C viral infection. However, there are certain ways which allow you to keep yourself from being infected. Mentioned below is a quick Hep C guide:

• Have protected sex by using a condom
• Do not share drugs and needles
• Take care while getting a tattoo, body piercing, or manicure
• Do not share personal items like razors
• Refrain from donating blood or tissue if you have the infection

Thus, this comprehensive Hep C guide would give you an insight of what to expect when Hep C infects you. Also, you can understand how to protect yourself from such an infection.