Hepatitis C is a highly infectious condition that affects the liver. It is brought about by the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C does not normally show any symptoms, it can however develop into a fibrosis (scarring of the liver) and cirrhosis (an advanced phase of liver scarring) many years later after infection. There are also cases wherein the cirrhosis will progress into life threatening conditions such as liver cancer, liver failure, gastric varices, and esophageal varices.

It is estimated that 270-300 million individuals suffer from hepatitis C worldwide. Hepatitis C is an exclusively human disease. One cannot transmit nor acquire the disease from animals. The condition was first diagnosed in the 1970′s and was only verified as a different form of hepatitis in the year 1989. Hepatitis is known to have 5 different types of viruses, namely the Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Around 80% of identified cases of hepatitis C do not reveal symptoms. Hepatitis C symptoms often won’t manifest for 10-20 years and sometimes longer. Usually, the symptoms are mild and they constantly come and go. The moment the symptoms become apparent, most likely the disease is already at its critical stage. These symptoms last for several weeks or months, which involve nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhea, jaundice (the yellowing of the eyes and the skin), pain in the liver area and dark urine.

Hepatitis C is acquired through blood contact with the infected person. One should be cautious when undergoing a dental or medical care. There is a higher chance that you will be transmitted with the disease when the surgical, medical or dental equipment used are constantly reused and are not properly sterilized and disinfected. Any one who’s planning to get a tattoo or piercing on areas where disinfection or sterilization procedures are not properly applied should also be careful. The hepatitis C virus and other forms of blood-borne pathogens can be passed on if tools are not appropriately sterilized or if the piercer or artist lack adequate infection-control practices. One must see to it that latex gloves are utilized, the hands are properly washed, and the instruments and surfaces are clean and disinfected.

As of the moment, Hepatitis C has no definite treatment procedure. It has no available vaccine as well. However, the condition can be managed. It would help a lot if the condition is determined early. As soon as you sense some irregularities and symptoms of the disease all over your body, do not hesitate to call a medical professional right away. Visit an STD clinic then after to determine the severity of your condition. Persistent forms of infections are treatable. In fact, 51% of people who have undergone treatment have been cured. The severe stages of the condition on the other hand would require liver transplant, yet still has a chance for the virus to recur after the transplant. So, before things go out of hand, schedule a consultation at the nearest STD clinic and undergo testing procedures.

Hepatitis C – this condition is quite difficult to discover at its earlier stages. So, arm yourself with the right knowledge to have a better grasp of the disease.

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