Hepatitis C: is it curable? See symptoms, transmission, treatment

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the HCV virus. According to the Ministry of Health, in Brazil, 70% of deaths from hepatitis are due to this specific condition.

There are several forms of the virus, which can change and even replicate.

So, if you want to prevent yourself and know how to treat it, read the following article

Contents

What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the HCV virus, which causes inflammation in the liver . Its symptoms are not easily perceived, and it can be an asymptomatic condition. Consequently, this means that most people will only discover the disease at an advanced stage.

According to the Ministry of Health, between 10% and 30% of infections do not have a defined transmission mechanism.

However, the best known cause is through blood transfusions, since the hepatitis virus is transmitted through contact with people with HCV.

In addition, a very recurring question involving hepatitis is whether it can be transmitted sexually. This type of contagion is infrequent, so the disease is not considered a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).

In cases of pregnancy, it is important to note that the risk of transmission between the infected mother and the baby is low (5%). However, the chances increase if the mother also has the HIV virus .

Currently, treatment for hepatitis C is available through the Unified Health System (SUS) and is recommended for acute or chronic cases, with administration of antiviral drugs.

Through correct medical monitoring, the chance of cure reaches 90%. However, it is important to emphasize that the treatment must be carried out as soon as possible to avoid possible complications.

This condition can be found in ICD-10 under the codes:

  • B-17.1 : acute viral hepatitis C;
  • B18.2 : chronic viral hepatitis C.

What is the difference between hepatitis A, B and C?

Hepatitis causes infections in the liver with similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses. In addition, the way they affect the body also changes.

In hepatitis A, the infection is short-term in most cases. It is a condition that has a vaccine, in which many people recover without lasting liver damage.

Type B, on the other hand, can vary from mild to severe symptoms, making it a chronic condition. It is one of the main causes of liver cancer , being transmitted mainly by blood or semen. But it is worth remembering that it can also be prevented with vaccination.

Type C hepatitis, on the other hand, does not have a vaccine and can be differentiated between acute or chronic. This type of hepatitis is considered a major cause of liver transplantation or liver cancer.

Hepatitis Guide

Types of hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a condition that can vary symptoms, and may be short-term (acute) or extend over a long period of time (chronic). Understand more each of the types:

Acute

Initial cases of hepatitis are considered acute and usually occur within 6 months of exposure to the virus.

This type of condition hardly presents symptoms, however, when they are present, the disease can be recognized by jaundice (yellowish pigmentation on the skin and eyes), fatigue , nausea, muscle pain and fever .

Chronicle

This condition is known to be a prolonged infection (when acute conditions last more than 6 months) and, in most cases, silent.

Since this disease is not treated, it can develop serious health problems, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. In more severe cases, it can lead to death.

What causes hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is caused by the HCV virus, which has 6 gene derivations (genotypes). This means that the virus can change, making it difficult for the immune system to identify it. The main form of transmission is through blood contamination.

It can occur through syringes, needles, pliers or any other type of sharp material. Thus, upon entering the bloodstream, the virus spreads and infects the person.

The incubation period for the hepatitis C virus is 2 weeks to 6 months, the average time it takes for the first symptoms to manifest in the human body.

Is hepatitis C contagious and sexually transmitted?

Hepatitis C is a contagious disease, being a condition that is usually transmitted through the blood of an infected person (either through direct contact or by transfusions) or through sexual contact. In some practices or professions, the risk of transmission is even greater.

Manicurists, tattoo artists and health professionals need to be even more careful with the risk of contamination.

It is important to note that the hepatitis C virus does not spread through kissing, hugging, coughing , sneezing or even through water and food.

How is the HCV virus transmitted?

Better understand the main forms of contagion:

Sharing needles and syringes

One of the most common causes of transmission of the hepatitis C virus is due to the reuse of needles and syringes. This is because when using an object with contaminated blood, it is possible that the person is infected with the HCV virus.

Sharp materials

It is necessary to be attentive with the use of materials such as pliers, razors and piercings, since the instruments may be contaminated with the virus and favor contagion when coming into contact with the individual’s blood.

Blood transfusion

People who receive blood transfusions are at risk of contracting the disease. The chances are greater if the procedure took place before 1993, because at that time blood tests were not carried out to detect infectious diseases, which may have contributed to the transmission of the HCV virus.

Sexual contact

This type of contagion is less common, but it can occur in unprotected relationships. However, it is necessary to be aware of sexual partners who have other conditions, such as HIV, which can increase the risk of HCV infection.

Unprotected anal sex can also favor contagion due to the possibility of minor trauma causing bleeding.

Vertical transmission (during pregnancy)

Infected pregnant women should also be aware, since, although reduced, there is a risk of the child contracting the disease during pregnancy. As with sexual contact, this chance increases if the mother has HIV.

It is worth remembering that, in these cases, breastfeeding is safe for the baby, as long as there are no lesions in the woman’s breast that favor blood contact.

Groups and risk factors

There are several risk factors related to hepatitis C, however, among the most common are blood transfusion and invasive therapies, with contaminated equipment.

There are several risk factors related to hepatitis C, however, among the most common are blood transfusion and invasive therapies, with contaminated equipment.

Among the risk factors, we can mention:

  • Share non-sterile equipment;
  • Sharing utensils such as needles and syringes;
  • Have had kidney dialysis for a long time;
  • Receive a donation of contaminated blood;
  • HIV infection.

In addition, the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Hepatitis C and Coinfections 2018 points out that some risk groups should have priority when carrying out tests to prove the infection, including people who use or have used drugs, sharing syringes or perforating objects, people who have been exposed to blood, professionals who are exposed to blood or risky conditions, patients with some types of disease (such as diabetes , cardiovascular disease, psychiatric history, etc.).

There are several risk factors related to hepatitis C, however, among the most common are blood transfusion and invasive therapies, with contaminated equipment.

Among the risk factors, we can mention:

  • Share non-sterile equipment;
  • Sharing utensils such as needles and syringes;
  • Have had kidney dialysis for a long time;
  • Receive a donation of contaminated blood;
  • HIV infection.

In addition, there are some risk groups that should be given priority when carrying out tests to prove the infection, among them:

  • People who use alcohol and illicit drugs;
  • People over 40;
  • Health professionals who had contact with hemodialysis centers, regardless of the time;
  • Children born to a mother with hepatitis C;
  • People who have been in private prison for many years.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C hardly presents symptoms, with only 20% to 30% of infected people manifesting them. Even so, when they do occur, they are usually generic and not very specific. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention, since this condition is silent and difficult to diagnose.

The disease takes about 2 weeks to 6 months to manifest. In that time, it is possible for the infected person to present the following manifestations:

Jaundice (yellowish skin)

Our liver is responsible for metabolizing a yellowish substance known as bilirubin.

When inflamed, the liver is not able to properly eliminate this substance, causing an accumulation in the body, which can be seen in the yellowish appearance of the skin and the white part of the eyes.

According to the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Hepatitis C and Coinfections 2018, a small proportion of patients experience jaundice.

Dark urine

Again, excess bilirubin can affect the body. From the excretion of the substance in excess, the kidneys can cause a change in the color of the urine, making it darker.

As with jaundice, in general, few people have a change in urine color.

Fatigue

Hepatitis C is a condition that ends up causing weakness in patients who have it. So it is important to rest and have a good night’s sleep so that the body can heal itself better.

Abdominal pain

Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the liver, located in the abdomen region, below the diaphragm. Thus, it is possible that some people may experience pain at the site due to swelling of the organ.

Other symptoms

Patients may also experience nonspecific symptoms, such as:

  • Fever;
  • Nausea and vomiting;
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Joint pain.

Diabetes and hepatitis C: is altered blood glucose a symptom?

Altered blood glucose is not exactly a symptom of hepatitis C, but there is a strong relationship between infection and type 2 diabetes.

People without any glycemic change, who contract hepatitis C, are more likely to develop diabetes, due to mechanisms that gradually lead to insulin resistance.

This is because the infection alters the signaling of insulin, which is the blood sugar-regulating hormone. As a result, glucose levels start to change, leading to type 2 diabetes.

In addition, patients with this condition tend to accumulate more fat in the liver, a condition called steatosis. This causes the hepatitis picture to evolve more aggressively and quickly, possibly reaching cirrhosis.

Therefore, people with diabetes should be tested for hepatitis.

Hepatitis C in pregnancy

Any illness during pregnancy is a concern for the health of the baby and the mother. As seen, one of the forms of transmission of hepatitis C is through normal birth. It is a rarer form, but it can occur.

Therefore, to avoid this risk of vertical transmission, it is important that the pregnant woman seeks to carry out tests even during the phase when she is trying to conceive. The earlier this care is taken, the lower the risk of contagion.

In addition, because it is an often asymptomatic disease, prevention can be even more difficult.

That is the importance of leading a more preventive life. The doctor, in addition to ordering tests to diagnose hepatitis C, can also guide the pregnant woman to maintain a diet capable of further strengthening her immune system.

Thus, the woman’s body will be more strengthened to fight the viral load in the blood, reducing the risks of transmission to the fetus.

These precautions are important, as existing treatments for hepatitis C are not considered safe during pregnancy. According to the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Hepatitis C and Coinfections 2018, one should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for the next six months.

If a pregnancy is discovered, the woman must stop using the medications. This is because there is no proof of safety during pregnancy.

How do you know if the baby has been infected?

If the pregnant woman has the disease, the doctor should order tests to assess whether the baby has been infected should be done at 18 months of age.

If it is a reagent, the CV-HCV test must be ordered. If the result is positive, then the child’s infection is confirmed.

In most cases, there is no risk of contamination or the test results point negative, due to the antibodies the baby receives from the mother.

When mother-to-baby transmission occurs, symptoms or damage to the child’s development is not common. However, the chances of liver complications in adulthood are greater.

The Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for the Prevention of Vertical Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Viral Hepatitis, updated in 2019, points out that:

  • 20% to 40% of babies will be negative for the virus;
  • 50% of children will develop chronic asymptomatic infection (intermittently detectable CV-HCV and normal ALT levels);
  • 30% of children will have chronic active infection with persistently detectable CV-HCV and often abnormal ALT.

Is it possible to breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is not contraindicated, as breast milk does not pass hepatitis C to the baby. This transmission is only a risk due to contact with blood or genital secretions (transmission via the perinatal).

However, breastfeeding is a risk when there are injuries to the nipples, as the baby may come into contact with the mother’s blood.

Diagnosis: which blood test detects hepatitis C?

The diagnosis of acute hepatitis C occurs in two ways: when there has been seroconversion for less than six months (documentation of non-reactive anti-HCV at the onset of symptoms or at the time of exposure and, in the second test, reactive anti-HCV).

Also if there is non-reactive anti-HCV and detection of HCV-RNA within 90 days after symptoms start or after exposure to the virus.

In cases of chronic hepatitis C, there are two criteria used for diagnosis:

  • Anti-HCV reagent for more than 6 months;
  • HCV-RNA also present for more than 6 months.

To clear up doubts about hepatitis C or receive a correct diagnosis, the ideal is to look for a hepatologist.

In cases of chronic hepatitis, the diagnosis is made when the Anti-HCV has been reagent for more than six months and there is diagnostic confirmation with detectable HCV-RNA for more than six months.

The tests that can be used are:

Anti-HCV

Anti-HCV can be done through serological tests, in laboratories, such as those of the Elisa type (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Or as a quick test , in an outpatient setting, which takes a small blood sample and can be performed in health facilities free of charge.

This test can be understood as a marker that indicates whether that organism has been in contact with the virus before.

However, it is not conclusive, since the infection may be inactive even if the result is reactive. That is, it does not differentiate whether the person has an active infection or has only been exposed to the virus for a long time.

To complement the diagnosis, if it is positive, it is necessary to perform an examination for active detection of the virus, the HCV-RNA.

HCV-RNA

Known as the nucleic acid test, also called viral load (CV) tests, HCV-RNA is able to identify changes in DNA, indicating infection. If this test shows positive results, then it is possible to conclude that the person has hepatitis C.

The test is carried out by SUS, as soon as the Ministry of Health has partnerships with several laboratories that perform the exam.

Genotyping

To identify which genotypes, subtypes and whether there are mixed HCV populations, genotyping is necessary. This is important to determine the correct form of treatment, according to the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Hepatitis C and Coinfections 2018.

However, the examination has some limitations, such as a minimum vital load of 500 IU / mL in the sample. If it is not possible to carry out the analysis, there are guidelines for carrying out specific therapeutic schemes.

Tests for liver assessment (staging)

Staging tests are used to assess the extent of fibrosis and liver damage. Although all people with acute or chronic hepatitis C are oriented to treatment, the presence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis can alter the medication protocol.

For this, the following exams can be requested:

Magnetic resonance elastography

This is a non-invasive exam that, through images, presents a map of your entire liver, in order to indicate whether there is the presence of fibrosis or lesions related to hepatitis C.

APRI or FIB4

APRI and FIB4 are non-invasive ways to calculate fibrosis in the liver. For this, they use values ​​obtained in blood tests, such as AST (Asparto Aminotransferase), ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and Complete Blood Count Platelets .

It is worth remembering that these tests are not as accurate as a biopsy.

Transient elastography

This test is similar to an ultrasound, which senses vibrations of the liver in order to detect the organ’s stiffness. It is considered a little invasive procedure and its result is immediate.

Liver biopsy

This procedure aims to remove a small sample of tissue from the liver, through a fine needle that crosses the abdominal wall.

The whole process can be followed up with the aid of ultrasound, in order to guarantee the safety and precision of the procedure.

Am I at risk for the hepatitis C virus? When to take the exam?

According to data from the Brazilian Society of Hepatology, it is estimated that 657 thousand people have the HCV virus. Although the treatment is simple and, in most cases, effective, only with a correct diagnosis is it possible to eliminate the disease.

As the disease does not always manifest clear symptoms, groups with a higher risk of infection are advised to take the test as a way of preventing late diagnosis.

All people aged 40 and over must be tested. In addition, people below that age should also be tested, provided that:

  • People with HIV;
  • Sexually active people about to start pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV;
  • People with multiple sexual partners;
  • People with multiple sexually transmitted infections;
  • Transsexual people;
  • Sex workers;
  • Homeless people;
  • People who received blood transfusions or blood products before 1992 or transplants at any time;
  • People with a history of injecting drug use at any time, including those who injected only once;
  • Alcohol dependent people;
  • Patients or health professionals who have attended hemodialysis environments at any time;
  • People with a history of percutaneous / parenteral exposure to blood or other biological materials in places that do not comply with health surveillance standards (health care environments, tattoos, scarification, piercing, manicure, razor blades or other sharp instruments);
  • People deprived of their liberty, at any time;
  • People with a history of shared use of intranasal or smoked drugs;
  • People with a history or at risk of exposure to blood or other contaminated biological materials: health professionals, patient caregivers, firefighters, police, etc .;
  • Children born to mothers living with HCV;
  • Family members or persons in close contact, including sexual partners, of people living with or with a history of HCV infection;
  • People with a history of use, at any time, of needles, glass syringes or syringes not properly sterilized, or of shared use, for the application of intravenous drugs or other legal or illegal recreational substances (vitamins, stimulants in ex-athletes, etc.). );
  • Patients diagnosed with diabetes;
  • Patients with a psychiatric history;
  • Patients with a history of liver disease without diagnosis or with elevated liver tests (ALT and / or AST);
  • Patients with a history of kidney disease;
  • Patients with a history of immunosuppression, at any time.

Ideally, anyone who falls into these groups will be tested for hepatitis C annually.

Hepatitis C is curable?

Yes. Hepatitis C is a disease that can be cured in 90% of cases treated correctly. However, when a cure is not possible, the disease can be controlled to prevent complications.

What is the treatment for acute and chronic hepatitis C?

According to the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Viral Hepatitis C and Co-infections, about 25% of the cases of acute infection regress spontaneously. However, as soon as it is identified, the acute or chronic condition must be treated.

Still, there is no consensus on the use of drugs in the non-chronic type. Several factors can interfere with medical advice to treat acute hepatitis C, such as the presence of risk factors.

In cases of chronic hepatitis, an option to deal with the condition is to treat it with antiviral drugs that act to fight the HCV virus. Treatment must be carried out for at least 12 weeks.

Antiviral medications

SUS provides free treatment for any type of liver injury, in order to ensure adequate treatment for patients, taking into account the disease.

Antivirals are drugs that act in the inhibition of the synthesis or in the viral regulation of the host. Possible treatment mechanisms are related to the blocking of virus connections, preventing their multiplication in the body.

Liver transplant

Some complications related to hepatitis C may generate the need for a liver transplant.

The procedure aims to remove the diseased liver through an incision in the abdomen and introduce the donated organ. In addition, in some cases, it is necessary to rebuild the bile duct.

During the recovery process, patients spend about two days in the hospital if there are no complications.

One of the most important parts of the whole process is to understand how the body will react. This is because the transplant causes the introduction of a foreign body in the body, which can generate rejection by the body.

For this, it is common for doctors to prescribe immunosuppressants, which are drugs that fight rejection.

Medicines: Which remedies treat hepatitis C?

Hepatitis is a condition that is treated with antiviral drugs in order to eliminate the HCV virus.

Currently, due to the advancement of medicine, it is possible to perceive a wider range of remedies with direct action. This makes patients experience fewer side effects and need shorter treatment.

In order to indicate the correct medication, the doctor in charge needs to know the specific genotype of the virus and the damage to the liver.

In addition, it is important for the patient to list his medical conditions and other treatments performed previously. According to the updated Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Hepatitis C and Co-infections, the medications that can be used are:

  • Ribavirin 250mg – capsule;
  • Daclatasvir 30mg and 60mg – tablet;
  • Sofosbuvir 400mg – tablet;
  • Ledipasvir 90mg / sofosbuvir 400mg – tablet;
  • Elbasvir 50mg / grazoprevir 100mg – tablet;
  • Glecaprevir 100mg / pibrentasvir 40mg – tablet;
  • Sofosbuvir 400mg / velpatasvir 100mg – tablet;
  • Alphafapoetin 10,000 IU – powder for solution for injection;
  • Filgrastim 300mcg – solution for injection;
  • Alfapeguinterferone 2a 180mcg – solution for injection.

Among the most common are:

Ribavirin

This active ingredient is used to fight viral infections, preventing the formation of new viruses. However, it is contraindicated for pregnant women, people with heart problems, hemoglobinopathies or with liver dysfunction.

Trade names include:

  • Ribavirin ;
  • Rebetol ;
  • Ribavirin – Blau .

Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir

These two substances are direct acting antiviral agents, which act in multiple stages of the treatment of hepatitis C. Both can act to prevent the virus from multiplying and, consequently, improve the body’s health.

  • Maviret .

Sofosbuvir

This active substance is indicated for the treatment of hepatitis C infections. It was developed to fight infections by genotypes 1, 2 and 3.

  • Sovaldi ;
  • Sofosbuvir .

Attention!

NEVER self-medicate or stop using a medication without first consulting a doctor. Only he will be able to tell which medication, dosage and duration of treatment is the most suitable for his specific case. The information contained on this site is only intended to inform, not in any way intended to replace the guidance of a specialist or serve as a recommendation for any type of treatment. Always follow the instructions on the package insert and, if symptoms persist, seek medical or pharmaceutical advice.

Living together

People who have chronic hepatitis C need to maintain a medical routine with a specialist in order to monitor liver activity and health.

In addition, some basic care can be introduced into the routine of those who have this condition, such as maintaining an adequate sleep routine.

When your body is rested, your organs are able to function with less effort.

Some tips may include:

Keep your mental health up to date

The mental health is always an important factor to assist in the welfare and maintaining the quality of life, whether in weakness conditions or not.

Maintaining good affective relationships and having support from close people is a simple and very important way that favors the conduct of treatment properly.

Take care of the food

Some food groups, if consumed in large quantities, can cause liver overload. Among those that must be controlled, we can mention:

  • Iron;
  • Fats;
  • Salt;
  • Sugar;
  • Coffee.

Avoid the use of alcohol and drugs

These two substances are extremely harmful to the liver. A study published in Alcohol Clinical Expert indicated that patients with a history of alcoholism and chronic hepatitis C are more likely to develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Prognosis

Hepatitis C is a condition that has a high level of cure. According to the Ministry of Health, about 90% of people who carry out the treatment correctly are able to heal.

However, around 20% of patients with chronic hepatitis may present an evolution, migrating to liver cirrhosis. In addition, 1% to 5% can progress to liver cancer.

Complications: what are the risks of hepatitis C?

If not treated properly, hepatitis C can develop liver complications. Currently, treatments have large percentages of improvement, from 40% to 50% of cases infected with genotype 1.

Among the possible complications we can mention:

Glycemic alteration or type 2 diabetes

Hepatitis C infection can lead to worsening or development of changes in blood glucose, related to type 2 diabetes.

Hepatical cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a chronic condition resulting from lesions and changes in the liver. When cirrhosis develops, it can impair kidney function, and the only treatment for this condition is liver transplantation.

Usually, in the initial phase, she does not have any symptoms. However, when you frequently notice fatigue, loss of appetite or abdominal pain, see a hepatologist.

Steatosis (fat in the liver)

This condition is caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver and can be found in two ways: metabolic and induced. Both increase the risk of developing liver cancer.

Maintaining an exercise routine and a balanced diet prevents the development of this condition.

Liver cancer

This condition can be considered primitive, that is, it appeared through the liver cells themselves.

However, this body has a large functional capacity, that is, if it is not more than 60% compromised, it will continue to perform its functions normally.

Liver cancer has as its main risk factor liver cirrhosis and hepatitis B and C viruses .

Liver failure

It can be considered a serious consequence characterized by a difficulty of this organ in performing its normal functions, with the possibility of an acute or chronic impairment.

Among the most common causes, we can mention the recurrent use of alcohol and chemical substances, infectious agents (hepatitis) and tumors.

Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C?

No. Currently available vaccines are only for types A and B. This is because the hepatitis C virus is highly variable, that is, it modifies easily, which makes the process of developing vaccines difficult. There are currently about 6 different genotypes, resulting in another 50 subtypes.

So the best way to prevent the disease is not to share sharp objects and personal objects, such as syringes, needles and pliers.

In addition, avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, in addition to sex without condoms, are also good ways to prevent infection.

How to prevent hepatitis C?

Unfortunately, there is still no knowledge of a vaccine capable of preventing hepatitis C. However, there are several other ways to prevent the condition. These preventive practices are related to the sharing of sharp objects or that may come in contact with blood. Check out the measures that can prevent transmission:

One of the most common ways of transmitting hepatitis C is through sharing syringes or sharp objects. So, have your own cuticle pliers, don’t reuse and share syringes, and make sure that tattoo and piercing studios use disposable materials.

Avoid unprotected sex

The correct use of condoms is effective not only for the prevention of hepatitis C, but also for other conditions such as HIV.

The risks of contamination through semen are low, however, there is still a likelihood of it happening, so it is always best to avoid it.

Get tested before you get pregnant

One of the forms of transmission of hepatitis C is through pregnancy, in cases where the mother has the condition.

Therefore, if you are thinking about becoming pregnant, the recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is to have an exam done to check for the presence of this condition.

Common questions

How do you get hepatitis C?

A person can get hepatitis by coming into contact with the blood of a person infected by the virus or on account of contaminated objects. Therefore, needles, syringes, tattoo equipment, manicure pliers can transmit the disease. In addition to blood, hepatitis C is also contracted during sexual intercourse without using a condom.

Hepatitis C catches in the relationship?

-Yeah . Hepatitis C is also transmitted during unprotected sex. However, it is believed that this risk of contamination is lower. However, people with multiple sexual partners or who have sexually transmitted diseases must redouble their care.

Hepatitis C gives symptoms? How do I know if I have the disease?

According to infectious disease Rafael Mialski, in the vast majority of cases (about 75%), the initial infection with the hepatitis C virus is asymptomatic, that is, the person does not feel anything.

Some people can manifest quite generic conditions, that is, few nonspecific symptoms, such as the flu . A few patients, on the other hand, can develop acute hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that is characterized by fever, jaundice (yellowing), nausea and abdominal pain.

According to the infectologist, “the best way to diagnose hepatitis C virus infection is to get tested, even if the patient does not feel anything. Special attention should be paid to those born before 1993 and who received blood transfusions, since before that the blood banks in Brazil had not yet tested the bags for the presence of the virus ”.

Hepatitis C has a spontaneous cure?

Infectologist Rafael Mialski points out that the spontaneous cure of hepatitis C is uncommon and, in general, occurs before the patient makes the diagnosis of the chronic infection. Remembering that most cases of hepatitis C are chronic.

Typically, a person discovers that he or she had hepatitis C after a spontaneous cure has occurred, on average, up to 6 months after infection.

Are there any risks of contracting hepatitis C by sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes and waxing blades?

According to infectious disease Rafael Mialski, there are risks of contracting hepatitis C through the sharing of personal objects, such as toothbrushes and hair removal blades. Therefore, it is important for each person to have personal items of their own.

Is chronic (chronic) hepatitis curable?

Chronic hepatitis C is curable and treatment is currently simple and quite efficient. The biggest problem lies in not treating the infection, as the condition can progress to liver cirrhosis. In this case, the treatment is more complex and the cure becomes more difficult as well.

What are the most common forms of contagion or transmission?

According to doctor Rafael Mialski, “the main form of transmission is through contact with blood contaminated by the virus. Especially users of injecting drugs who share needles, use of non-sterile materials for invasive procedures, such as tattoos and piercings, in addition to the risk of health professionals being contaminated with the blood of infected patients during care ”.

Who has hepatitis can donate blood?

People who have hepatitis B and C cannot be donors. This is because these two types are considered more serious, and may leave traces of the virus in the body. That way, if that really happened, someone else would be infected through blood transfusion.

Who has hepatitis can get pregnant?

-Yeah . But the main recommendation is that there is a correct medical monitoring, it is essential to do prenatal care. This is because, although low, there are risks of transmission between the infected mother and the baby.

Can hepatitis C progress to cancer?

Yes , but in serious cases. If the condition is not diagnosed or treated properly, hepatitis can cause liver damage and thus develop into liver cancer.

Can acute hepatitis become chronic?

-Yeah . After contact with the virus, in most cases hepatitis becomes chronic, reaching 85% of cases. However, treatment is relatively simple and has few side effects.

Thus, the appropriate treatment reduces the risk of liver cirrhosis, which is an aggravation resulting from hepatitis C. In this case, it is a practically irreversible lesion of the liver, being the most difficult cure, according to infectious disease Rafael Mialski.

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