What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus. It can become chronic (long-term) and, over time, lead to serious liver damage, including liver cirrhosis.
Since the infection does not always cause symptoms, some people live without knowing they have the disease, and therefore the number of latent carriers may be higher than official statistics.
How is Hepatitis C transmitted?
Through blood-to-blood contact:
Hepatitis C is transmitted when the virus enters the bloodstream of another person through direct blood contact with the infected person. This infection is most common in:
- It occurs among drug users when needles and syringes are shared.
- Healthcare workers who come into contact with infected blood or contaminated needles are also at risk.
Sexually transmitted:
- Hepatitis C is rarely transmitted through sexual contact.
- It is most commonly spread through direct blood contact involving small skin or mucous membrane injuries.
- The risk of transmission increases during menstruation.
- Transmission is possible during anal intercourse or other practices that carry a risk of injury.
- If a pregnant woman is a virus carrier, the child can become infected during pregnancy or childbirth.
Transmission through objects:
- Hepatitis C virus can remain active outside the body for a certain period.
- Objects that have come into contact with blood (e.g., surgical instruments, razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers) can be a source of infection.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
The disease is often asymptomatic, but in some cases, the following symptoms may occur:
- Fatigue, loss of appetite
- Headache and muscle pain
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- Mild fever
- Jaundice of the skin and visible mucous membranes
- Itching of the skin
- Dark urine.
In about 80% of people infected with hepatitis C, the disease becomes chronic, causing long-term liver damage. This can lead to serious complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Incubation period and infectiousness
After infection with the Hepatitis C virus, symptoms may take weeks, months, or even years to appear. A person is contagious as long as the virus is present in their blood—this applies both when symptoms are visible and when there are no symptoms. If the disease becomes chronic, contagiousness can persist for many years.
Diagnosis and tests performed
For diagnosis, a blood test detecting antibodies against the Hepatitis C virus (Anti-HCV) is performed. This is done using the ELISA and EIA methods. In addition, it is possible to diagnose using the PCR method, which can determine the quality, titer and genotype of the virus.
Since virus hepatitis affects liver function, liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, Bilirubin) should be performed to assess the extent of liver damage. Ultrasound examination helps to determine structural damage.
Who is at higher risk?
The following individuals are at particularly high risk of Hepatitis C infection:
- People who use injectable drugs, and for this purpose
- Those who share syringes, needles, filters, spoons, heating pads, rubber bands, water, and other tools
- Individuals engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse
- Healthcare workers and patients receiving blood and blood products
- People living with HIV – they have a higher risk of chronic hepatitis and severe complications.
What should patients do?
- Hepatitis C infection is diagnosed through a blood test.
- Hepatitis C can be treated with tablets and is almost always curable.
- During the acute phase, it is important to avoid physical exertion and refrain from alcohol consumption.
- Items that may come into contact with blood (such as razors, toothbrushes, scissors) should not be shared with others.
- If you have injured your skin, the wound should be covered hygienically, and inform medical personnel.
- Laboratories and doctors must report individuals suspected or diagnosed with Hepatitis C to the health department by name.
- Healthcare workers must inform their employer or the facility physician.
How to protect yourself?
Hygiene: Proper adherence to personal hygiene practices, as mentioned above.
Preventive screening: High-risk groups should undergo screening tests at least once a year.
What to do in case of suspected infection?
- If infection is suspected, it is essential to consult a doctor.
- Starting antiviral treatment in a timely manner significantly increases the chances of recovery.
There is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.
Recovery from the disease does not prevent future reinfection. In other words, reinfection is possible.