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Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus. It is often transmitted through tainted blood products and unprotected sexual contact. Most reported cases come about through the sharing of needles by intravenous drug users, accidental infection of healthcare workers with needles, unprotected sex with multiple partners and contaminated blood. The risk of being infected through tainted blood in a transfusion has dropped sharply with the institution of routine screening tests for Hepatitis C in donated blood.
The Hepatitis C virus affects people in different ways. Some people become extremely ill and suffer serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis and liver failure. Others may carry the virus but never get sick from the disease, even though they retain some liver damage. Many patients with this virus find that they have no symptoms. However, over a third develop the symptoms of acute Hepatitis C infection. This can include weakness, poor appetitie, dark urine, light-colored stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin, body fluids and whites of the eyes). Jaundice results when liver chemicals build up in the blood.
If the immune system does not clear the Hepatitis C virus from the blood and the condition is allowed to progress past six months, Chronic Hepatitis C will develop. Over half the cases of people infected with Hepatitis C progress into Chronic Hepatitis C. At this stage, most patients begin a gradual process of liver damage that may lead to other serious conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, etc. Chronic Hepatitis C infection may last for years. After twenty eyars, about twenty percent of sufferers develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and a smaller number develop some form of liver cancer.
To diagnose Hepatitis C, a physician will conduct a physical examination and do blood tests to check for the presence of antibodies against the Hepatitis C virus. To determine the damage to liver cells, the doctor will test for the presence of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Conflicting or inconclusive result may make a liver biopsy necessary.
Although blood screening methods have drastically improved, many cases are still reported as a result of contaminated drug injection equipment, contaminated hemodialysis, tattooing, body piercing, unprotected sex and shared instruments for inhaling cocaine or injecting IV drugs. Effective ways to prevent transmission of the Hepatitis C virus include:
---avoiding the use or sharing of IV and intranasal (inhaled nasally) drug paraphernalia
---being careful to select a reputable and licensed establishment when seeking the services of a tattoo artist or body piercer
---(for healthcare workers) being sure that proper infection control procedures are followed when coming into contact with a patient's blood and wearing the proper protective articles as barriers
---avoiding unprotected sex, particularly with multiple partners; use of condoms during all sexual activity
The present treatment for HCV consists of a one-year course of the drugs interferon and ribavirin, which can clear up the virus in almost half of patients. If cirrhosis is presen, alternative treatments will be necessary. Interferon is not recommended for those with a history of depression, alcohol dependency, illegal drug use or auto-immune disease. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B should also be given to all those who test positve for Hepatitis C.
Certain high risk groups should be tested whether exposure is suspected or not. This high risk group includes:
---those receiving blood transfusions before 1990
---persons receiving long-term dialysis
---spouses of those infected with Hepatitis C
---those living in the same househnold with someone who is infected with Hepatitis C
---persons with a history of multiple sexual partners
---IV drug users or those who use illegal drugs or sniff cocaine
Those living in the same household with someone infected with the Hepatitis C virus should follow precautions to limit exposure to the virus. Some of these precautions are below.
---Do not share items such as toothbrushes, nail clippers, combs, brushes, razors or any other items which may have even a minute amount of blood on them.
---If caring for someone with Hepatitis C, always wear gloves when washing or treating an injury. Those having the virus should take care to cover any small cuts or abrasions with tight-fitting bandages. If blood comes in contact with clothing or linens, these should be washed separately. Also, make all medical personnel and caregivers awatr that the person has HCV.
---If biohazard containers are used in the home, never discard these with the regular trash. Sanitation workers, children, homeless people or others who might go through the trash can come in contact with this contaminated material. Medical personnel can give instructions on how to dispose of these materials properly.
Hepatitis C is not spread by breast feeding,sneezing, food, water, casual contact, coughing, hugging or the sharing of drinking glasses or eating utensils.
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