Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, causing inflammation, fibrosis, and potentially severe liver damage. This article looks at the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention tips for hepatitis C.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is often called a "silent" infection because most people do not show symptoms until severe liver damage occurs. However, symptoms of acute and chronic hepatitis C can differ.

Acute Hepatitis C

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine
• Stomach pain

Chronic Hepatitis C

• Long-term fatigue
• Joint pain
• Itchy skin
• Muscle pain
• Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
• Loss of appetite
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Swelling of the legs and abdomen

Treatment options

1. Antiviral medications

Antiviral medications are the cornerstone of hepatitis C treatment. The main goal is to clear the virus from the body and prevent liver damage.

• Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs): They are highly effective, with cure rates exceeding 90%. Common DAAs include sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and glecaprevir.
• Interferons: These interferons are used less frequently due to significant side effects. They boost the immune system's ability to fight the virus.
• Ribavirin: Often used in combination with other drugs, especially for hard-to-treat strains of HCV.

Type of drug	Example	Cure rate (%)	Common side effects
Direct-acting antivirals (DAA)	Sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, glecaprevir	>90%	Fatigue, headache, nausea
Interferons	Peginterferon alfa-2a	40-50%	Flu-like symptoms, depression, anemia
Ribavirin	Ribavirin	Variable (used with DAA)	Anemia, rash, birth defects

2. Liver transplantation

Severe liver damage, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, may require a liver transplant. After the transplant, antiviral therapy is essential to prevent the virus from returning in the new liver.

3. Supportive care

Managing symptoms and complications through lifestyle changes is essential for overall liver health. This includes avoiding alcohol, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular medical checkups. 

Prevention Tips

1. Avoid Sharing Needles

HCV is primarily spread through blood. Avoid sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia to reduce the risk of transmission.

2. Safe Practices for Tattooing and Piercing

Make sure tattoo and piercing studios follow strict sterilization procedures to prevent transmission through contaminated equipment.

3. Safe Sex

Although less common, HCV can be spread through sexual contact. Using condoms and practicing safe sex, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or engage in high-risk activities, can reduce this risk.

4. Blood Tests

Regular blood tests can help detect HCV early. This is especially important for people who received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992, when HCV blood testing became common practice.

5. Don't Share Personal Items

Items such as razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers can spread HCV if they are contaminated with blood. It is recommended not to share these personal items with others.

6. Vaccination

Although there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, vaccination against hepatitis A and B can prevent co-infection and reduce the risk of liver complications.

Prevention measures	Important measures	Benefits
Avoid sharing needles	Use clean needles, needle exchange programs	Reduce the risk of blood-borne transmission
Safe tattoo/piercing	Choose reputable, sanitary places	Prevent transmission through contaminated equipment
Safe practices during sex	Use condoms, reduce the number of sexual partners	Reduce the risk of sexual transmission
Blood tests	Regular testing, especially blood transfusions before 1992	Early detection and treatment
Avoid sharing personal items	Use personal care products	Prevent possible transmission through blood-borne contact
Vaccinations	Hepatitis A and B vaccinations	Prevent co-infection and reduce the risk of liver damage