Synopsis

First discovered in 1989, Hepatitis C is a serious viral infection that is often asymptomatic (shows no symptoms), but can be extremely serious. When symptoms are present, they often begin mild and resemble the flu virus. Hepatitis C can be acute or chronic, and ultimately it can lead to liver cancer, complete liver failure, and even death. Just like hepatitis B, the first 6 months of the infection are referred to as the acute phase, and the period past the initial 6 month period is the chronic phase of the disease. Chronic hepatitis C is extremely serious and can lead to serious liver disease, liver failure, and even death.

Acute Hepatitis C is a short-lived illness that people get within six months of being exposed to the Hepatitis C Virus. An acute infection can turn into a chronic infection, but that does not always happen. A chronic Hepatitis C infection lasts much longer than an acute infection, and it occurs when the Hepatitis C Virus remains in somebody's body. It is estimated that 70-85% of people who contract the Hepatitis C virus will eventually suffer from chronic Hepatitis C.

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Hepatitis C In The US Population

The CDC estimates that there were 30,500 new cases of Hepatitis C in the United States in 2014. In terms of the total number of people in the United States who are living with the disease, those estimates range from 2.7 million to 3.9 million people.

How Hepatitis C Spreads

Hepatitis C spreads when infected blood enters the body of somebody who is not infected. People can become infected during the following activities: sex with an infected partner, sharing needles, contacting an infected person's blood or open sores, or sharing razors. These are not the only ways that Hepatitis C can spread, but they are the most common. Mothers can also infect their newborn children with Hepatitis C while giving birth to them.

Am I At Risk For Hepatitis C?

Any sexually active person is at risk for Hepatitis C. It is contagious and spreads through sexual contact. If you engage in unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex, you are at risk for contracting Hepatitis C. Some individuals have a higher risk profile for contracting Hepatitis C. These people who engage in any of the following behaviors: having sex with somebody who is infected, being HIV positive, having more than one sexual partner, already are infected with an STD, men who have sex with other men, people who share needles, are an infant whose mother has Hepatitis B, if you are exposed to blood at your place of work or if you travel to places with high Hepatitis C infection rates. Hepatitis C has not been shown to spread through mosquitos.

Hepatitis C And Pregnancy

A pregnant mother who is infected with Hepatitis C can transmit the illness to her newborn child during birth. The Hepatitis C test is fairly routine for pregnant mothers. If you are a pregnant woman and you are infected with Hepatitis C, make sure that your doctor is notified so precautions can be taken.

Can HCV Be Cured?

Yes. There are effective treatments for Hepatitis C that are available. While there is no vaccine (like there is for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B), as of June, 2016, the FDA has approved a new drug called EPCLUSA to treat Hepatitis C. Epclusa is a combination drug that contains 400mg of sofosbuvir and 100mg of velpatasvir. This drug has been shown to be effective in fighting Hepatitis C. Patients who suffer from additional complications from Hepatitis C may also be prescribed other medications. For example, people who also suffer from cirrhosis may be prescribed ribavirin in addition to Epclusa.

How Is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose Hepatitis C by giving patients a blood test. A number of symptoms may also make it clear that somebody is suffering from Hepatitis B. These symptoms include jaundice, abnormal fatigue, joint and/or abdominal pain, appetite loss, fever, nausea, vomiting, clay-colored bowel movements, dark urine and diarrhea.

Hepatitis C Prevention

The surest way to avoid a Hepatitis C infection is to not share needles with people who are infected. Other ways to lessen the risk of Hepatitis C include using a condom in all circumstances where sexual contact takes place.

The History Of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis itself has been known about since the beginning of recorded history. It was described as a jaundice-causing disease of the liver. Hepatitis C was not known as a disease that was separate from the other Hepatitis infections until 1989, when the virus that causes Hepatitis C was first isolated. Since that time, numerous studies and drug trials have advanced the treatment of the disease. As of 2016, effective treatment for Hepatitis C is now available.