Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C What is hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is a disease that causes inflammation and infection of the liver. This condition develops following the transmission of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C can be either acute or chronic. If you have symptoms of acute hepatitis C, they generally set in quickly and last only a few weeks.

What are the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C? According to the Expert, HCV infections don’t have symptoms. Still, some people show mild to severe symptoms. These include: ▪

fever

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dark urine

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loss of appetite

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abdominal pain or discomfort

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joint pain

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nausea

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jaundice

If you notice any of the symptoms, you must visit a liver Specialist doctor in Pune at the earliest. The fastest assessment and subsequent treatment will help you combat this medical condition and live a better life.

How is Hepatitis C Transmisitted?

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact with someone with an infection. You can contract the virus again even if you’ve had it before. It can be passed through: ▪

sharing items like razors or toothbrushes

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sharing needles

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childbirth (passing from a mother with hepatitis C to her baby)

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sexual contact if blood is exchanged

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getting a tattoo or a piercing with non-sterile equipment

What are the risk factors for getting hepatitis C? Your risk of hepatitis C infection is increased if you: ▪

Are a health care worker who has been exposed to infected blood, which may happen if an infected needle pierces your skin

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Have ever injected or inhaled illicit drugs

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Have HIV

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Received a piercing or tattoo in an unclean environment using unsterile equipment

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Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992

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Received clotting factor concentrates before 1987

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Received hemodialysis treatments for a long period

How is hepatitis C diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose hepatitis C using blood tests: ▪

First, the doctor will perform a simple blood test to look for hepatitis C antibodies in the blood. A positive test means that the person has had exposure to the virus, but does not necessarily prove ongoing infection.

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If the antibody test is positive, the person may then have a second blood test called a hepatitis C RNA test. This will check whether the virus is still present in the blood.

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A third blood test — called a genotype test — can work out which type of hepatitis C virus is present, as there are at least six types.

How Can You Prevent Hepatitis C Infection?

There’s no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. To avoid getting the virus: ▪

Don’t share personal items like razors.

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Don’t share needles, syringes, or other equipment when injecting drugs.

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Be careful if you get a tattoo, body piercing, or manicure. The equipment may have someone else’s blood on it.

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Safe Sexual pratices

How is hepatitis C treated?

Treatment for chronic hepatitis C (those infected for 6 months or more) involves: ▪

tablets to fight the virus

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a test to see if your liver is damaged

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lifestyle changes to prevent further damage

Book an Appointment: Dr. Manoj Dongare at Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital and Research Center provides one of the best Liver treatment and transplant services in Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune. For more information about our comprehensive treatment options, or to request an appointment with one of the best Surgical Liver Transplant and HPB Surgeon in Pune call 09881379573 or Click on Book Appointment for online booking with your near hospital.