What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a contagious virus that infects your liver. Infection can be either acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis C occurs within six months of being exposed to the virus. Chronic hepatitis C is a long-term health condition that can cause serious problems like liver cirrhosis or cancer.
Hepatitis is one of the most common bloodborne viruses and a leading reason for liver transplants.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
Many people do not have any symptoms at all when they have hepatitis C. However, when symptoms do surface, they include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Ankle swelling
- Yellow skin and eyes
- Dark urine
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Fluid accumulation in your abdomen
- Unexplained skin lesions or rashes
One of the telltale symptoms of hepatitis C is tenderness on your right side where your liver is located.
How is hepatitis C spread?
You can contract hepatitis C when blood from someone who is infected enters your blood through:
- Sharing needles or syringes
- Mother to child transmission
- Health care injuries, such as accidental needle penetration
- Blood transfusions with unscreened blood
- Sharing a razor or toothbrush
- Dirty tattoo needles
If you engage in sexual activity that causes broken skin and bleeding, such as anal intercourse, your risk for contracting hepatitis C is higher.
How is hepatitis C diagnosed?
Neudorf Infectious Diseases Clinic offers several methods to diagnose hepatitis C and discern whether you’ve sustained any liver damage. First, Dr. Miller conducts a thorough physical examination and asks a series of questions about your medical history and family background. She may conduct any of the following:
- Blood tests to check for antibodies and whether the virus is active
- Ultrasound to monitor stiffening of your liver
- Liver biopsy to stage your disease
With a proper diagnosis and understanding of the degree of your illness, Dr. Miller can customize a treatment plan for you.
How is hepatitis C treated?
Oral medication is the go-to treatment for hepatitis C. Typically, you’ll take a course of antiviral medications for 2-3 months. Dr. Miller monitors your health on an ongoing basis to ensure the medication works well.
If you’ve been exposed to blood through tattoo needles, sex, or syringes, contact the knowledgeable team at Neudorf Infectious Diseases Clinic or book an appointment online to get screened for hepatitis C.
