All You Need to Know About Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and is transmitted exclusively through blood-to-blood contact. It can present as either acute or chronic, with acute cases often being asymptomatic or showing mild symptoms that may resolve within weeks. Chronic hepatitis C symptoms may develop gradually over months or years, potentially leading to serious complications if left untreated.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 58 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis C. In the United States, it’s among the most common types of hepatitis, alongside hepatitis A and B. While vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B, there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Without treatment, hepatitis C can lead to serious health issues including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. However, early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase the chances of cure and reduce the risk of severe symptoms and liver failure.

For more information about hepatitis C symptoms, complications, treatment options, and prevention strategies, continue reading.

Table of Contents

  1. What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
  2. How is hepatitis C transmitted?
  3. Is hepatitis C curable?
  4. How is hepatitis C treated?
  5. How is hepatitis C diagnosed?
  6. Hepatitis C symptoms in men
  7. Potential complications of hepatitis C
  8. Preventing hepatitis C
  9. Outlook

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Not everyone infected with hepatitis C shows symptoms – about 80% of people don’t experience any signs when first infected.

Symptoms can vary depending on whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Acute hepatitis C:

Acute infections typically occur within 6 months of exposure, with symptoms appearing 2-12 weeks after exposure. Common symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea or abdominal discomfort
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dark urine
  • Pale stools
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

Acute cases are often mild and may resolve within weeks. Sometimes the body can clear the infection without treatment. Note that asymptomatic people can still spread the virus.

Chronic hepatitis C:

If the virus persists, acute infection can become chronic. Between 55-85% of hepatitis C infections become chronic.

Chronic hepatitis C doesn’t resolve on its own and without treatment can lead to liver damage and cancer. Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • General malaise
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Mood changes like depression or anxiety
  • Cognitive difficulties including trouble concentrating

Symptoms may fluctuate in severity. People with chronic hepatitis C may also show signs of liver scarring and disease, including:

  • Indigestion, bloating, and abdominal pain
  • Swelling in legs and feet
  • Itchy skin
  • Jaundice
  • Dark urine
  • Sleep problems
  • Confusion
  • Memory and concentration issues

Like acute hepatitis C, chronic infection may not always cause clear symptoms.

If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect exposure, get tested promptly.

How is hepatitis C transmitted?

Hepatitis C spreads through blood-to-blood contact. Transmission can occur through:

  • Organ transplants
  • Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes
  • Sharing needles (e.g., for drug use)
  • Childbirth (mother to baby)
  • Sexual contact with blood exposure
  • Tattoos or piercings with unsterile equipment

Note that previous hepatitis C infection doesn’t prevent reinfection.

Before 1992, blood transfusions were a major transmission risk, but improved screening has greatly reduced this.

Risk factors include:

  • Blood transfusion before 1992
  • Organ transplant before 1992
  • Blood products before 1987
  • Long-term hemodialysis
  • Mother with hepatitis C
  • Sexual partner with hepatitis C
  • Using nonsterile needles

Hepatitis C isn’t spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing, sharing food, or coughing.

Is hepatitis C curable?

Yes, hepatitis C is curable with proper treatment. Modern antiviral medications called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure most cases by targeting the virus directly.

The goal is sustained virologic response (SVR), meaning no detectable virus 12 weeks after treatment. SVR indicates the infection is cleared, reducing liver damage risk.

Key treatment facts:

  1. High cure rates: DAAs cure over 95% of cases, typically taken once daily for 8-12 weeks.
  2. Better tolerance: Compared to older treatments, DAAs have fewer side effects like fatigue or nausea.
  3. Genotype-specific: Treatment varies by virus genotype.
  4. Liver assessment: Doctors check liver damage before treatment.
  5. Prevent reinfection: Avoid risky behaviors post-treatment.
  6. Access challenges: Cost and stigma limit global treatment access.

With early detection and proper treatment, hepatitis C is curable. Effective medications and care prevent long-term complications.

How is hepatitis C treated?

Treatment combines antiviral medications to eliminate the virus and prevent liver damage, aiming for SVR (no detectable virus).

  1. Antiviral medications: DAAs target virus replication, taken daily for 8-12 weeks.
  2. Genotype-specific: Treatment depends on virus genotype.
  3. Combination therapy: Sometimes multiple DAAs are used together.
  4. Liver assessment: Blood tests and imaging check liver damage.
  5. Monitoring: Regular tests track treatment response and side effects.
  6. Prevent reinfection: Avoid needle sharing and practice safe sex.
  7. Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet, no alcohol, and regular exercise support liver health.

Modern treatments have high cure rates. Early diagnosis and proper care are key to managing hepatitis C.

How is hepatitis C diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires specific tests since symptoms alone aren’t reliable, especially with asymptomatic cases. The CDC recommends testing for:

  • Abnormal liver function
  • Pregnant individuals
  • HIV-positive people
  • Hemodialysis patients

Diagnostic tests include:

  1. Antibody test: Detects past or current infection
  2. PCR test: Confirms active infection
  3. Genotype test: Identifies virus strain
  4. Liver function test: Checks for damage
  5. Liver biopsy: Assesses liver tissue

Antibodies appear 2-3 months after exposure. PCR tests can detect virus within 1-2 weeks. Early testing is crucial for timely treatment.

Hepatitis C symptoms in men

While symptoms are similar across genders, research suggests differences:

  • Women may clear virus spontaneously more often
  • Disease may progress faster in men
  • Men have higher cirrhosis risk

Men may face greater risk of liver complications, but individual experiences vary.

Potential complications of hepatitis C

The main complication is progression to chronic hepatitis C, which can lead to:

  • Cirrhosis: Scarring that impairs liver function
  • Liver cancer: Chronic infection increases risk
  • Liver failure: Gradual loss of liver function

Early treatment reduces complication risks. Seek medical