Hepatitis C

Hepatitis is a term that refers to swelling and inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by an infection from a virus, or from other organic diseases. The hepatitis C virus is one of many viruses that cause hepatitis. About 4 million people in the United States are infected with hepatitis at any one time.

The liver is an important organ of the body. It is located in the upper right part of the abdomen. The liver regulates the body’s nutrition system. After we eat food, it is digested and absorbed, then taken through large blood vessels to the liver. The liver processes absorbed substances such as fat, sugar, protein, and vitamins so the rest of the body can use them.

The liver gets rid of harmful substances called toxins before they have a chance to poison the body. The liver also makes bile; a yellowish liquid that helps absorb the food we eat. Bile is made out of a substance called bilirubin, a yellowish chemical. Viruses are extremely small germs that can multiply only after invading a host. Cold sores and the flu are caused by viruses. Viruses can be seen only with very powerful microscopes. A virus called hepatitis C can invade the human body through contaminated blood. This virus causes a liver infection called Hepatitis C.

Approximately 4 million people in the United States are infected with hepatitis C, and up to 20,000 new infections occur annually. It is a viral infection that attacks the liver, and while usually asymptomatic in early infection, may cause decreased appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, itching, and flu-like symptoms.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood.

The following people have a higher risk of contracting hepatitis C:

• patients who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, the year when tests were made available to check for it
• people who have more than one sexual partner
• people who share needles or razors
• babies born to women who have hepatitis C

Prevention

Since treatment for hepatitis C is not always effective, it is best to PREVENT it rather than to have to TREAT it!

Four of the BEST ways to prevent hepatitis C:

1. Practice safe sex by using condoms, and knowing your partner.

2. Do not share needles or other objects that may have come in contact with another person’s blood, such as razors or toothbrushes.

3. Use gloves if you expect to be in contact with blood or other body fluids

4. If you decide to get a tattoo or a body piercing, make sure that the instruments used are sterile.

Ask your doctor about hepatitis C testing, since it often has no symptoms for years; testing is recommended at least once for all adults. Highly effective treatments can cure the infection and protect your liver.