HEPATITIS C VIRUS: Introduction

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage. This condition develops after being infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through contaminated blood. It can be either acute or chronic.

Until recently, hepatitis C treatment required weekly injections and oral medications that many HCV - infected people couldn't take because of other health problems or unacceptable side effects. Presently, chronic HCV is usually curable with oral medications taken every day for two to six months. Still, about half of people with HCV don't know they're infected, mainly because they have no symptoms, which can take decades to appear.

Chronic Hepatitis C

The symptoms of acute hepatitis C set in quickly and last a few weeks. However, chronic hepatitis C symptoms develop over a period of months and may not be apparent at first. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 71 million people have chronic hepatitis C. 

Every chronic hepatitis C infection starts with an acute phase. Acute hepatitis C usually goes undiagnosed because it rarely causes symptoms. When signs and symptoms are present, they may include jaundice, along with fatigue, nausea, fever and muscle aches. Acute symptoms appear one to three months after exposure to the virus and last two weeks to three months.

Acute hepatitis C infection doesn't always become chronic. Some people clear HCV from their bodies after the acute phase, an outcome known as spontaneous viral clearance. In studies of people diagnosed with acute HCV, rates of spontaneous viral clearance have varied from 15% to 25%. Acute hepatitis C also responds well to antiviral therapy.

Hepatitis C Transmission

Hepatitis C spreads when blood contaminated with the hepatitis C virus gets into the bloodstream through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person.

An individual can be exposed to the hepatitis C virus from:

• Having unprotected sex, especially if one of the partner have an STD / an HIV infection.
• A pregnant mother to her unborn child
• Personal items being shared (e.g. clippers, toothbrushes, razor blades etc)
• Reuse or inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, especially syringes and needles in healthcare settings
• Injecting drug use through the sharing of injection equipment
• Blood transfusions

However, these modes of transmission are impossible to get infected with the hepatitis C virus:

• Breastfeeding (unless nipples are cracked and bleeding)
• Casual contact
• Coughing
• Hugging
• Holding hands
• Kissing
• Mosquito bites
• Sharing eating utensils
• Sharing food or drink
• Sneezing

People who have a high risk of infection with HCV include those who have:

• Had a blood transfusion with unscreened blood
• Received an organ transplant
• Received hemodialysis treatment for a long period
• Been born to a mother with hepatitis C
• Had a sexual partner who’s infected with hepatitis C
• Used needles that have been used before

[Next Article on Hepatitis C: Clinical Features and Complications of Hepatitis C]