What is the main cause of Hep C?

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. Today, most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs.

Can you get hepatitis from saliva?

Hepatitis B isn’t spread through saliva (spit), so you CAN’T get hepatitis B from sharing food or drinks or using the same fork or spoon. Hepatitis B is also not spread through kissing, hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or breastfeeding.

Can you get hep C from touching blood?

You can become infected with hepatitis C if you come into contact with the blood of an infected person. Other bodily fluids can also contain the virus, but blood contains the highest level of it. Just a small trace of blood can cause an infection.

Is Hep C treatable?

Today, 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.

Which hepatitis is worse B or C?

There are vaccines to prevent hepatitis A and B but none for hepatitis C, which makes it more lethal than hepatitis A and B. According to studies, up to 70% of people who are infected with hepatitis C develop chronic liver disease, and up to 20% of people develop cirrhosis.

How long is hep C contagious?

Persons with acute hepatitis C virus infection are generally contagious from one or more weeks before the onset of symptoms. The contagious period is indefinite in chronically infected persons.

Can you get hep C from a toilet seat?

A: Hepatitis C is spread by direct contact with infected blood. The virus cannot be passed through toilet seats.

Which Hepatitis is silent killer?

Living with hepatitis

The disease is often called the silent killer, because globally 95% of people with hepatitis are unaware of their infection and people remain asymptomatic in most cases.

Can Hep C go away on its own?

Can hepatitis C go away on its own? Yes. From 15% to 20% of people with hep C clear it from their bodies without treatment. It’s more likely to happen in women and people who have symptoms.

How do people get hepatitis?

The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation and affect your liver’s ability to function. You’re most likely to get hepatitis A from contaminated food or water or from close contact with a person or object that’s infected.

How long can you have hepatitis without knowing?

Many people have mild symptoms or no symptoms, which is why hepatitis is sometimes called a “silent” disease. Hepatitis A. The symptoms usually show up 2 to 6 weeks after the virus enters your body. They usually last for less than 2 months, though sometimes you can be sick for as long as 6 months.

What does hep C pain feel like?

Many chronic HCV sufferers also complain of getting aches and pains. Large numbers get sharp pains over the liver (found in the upper right corner of the abdomen) which can sometimes be very alarming. These pains are not necessarily connected with severe liver disease.

What happens if you test positive for hep C?

A test for hepatitis C antibodies is either positive or negative. If you test positive, you may have an HCV infection. But it could also mean that you had the infection in the past and are not currently infected. If you test negative, it is likely that you don’t have the infection.

Is Hep C curable 2020?

Hepatitis C (hep C) infection used to be a lifelong condition for most people. Up to 50 percent of people may clear the hepatitis C virus (HCV) from their body without treatment. For everyone else, the infection becomes chronic. With advances in hep C treatment, most people can now be cured of HCV.

What are the first signs of Hep C in females?

Early symptoms of hepatitis C in women can include: fatigue. abdominal discomfort. muscle and joint pain.
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Symptoms of chronic hepatitis and liver damage include:
  • bruising or bleeding.
  • itchy skin.
  • fluid retention in the stomach.
  • swollen legs.
  • unexplained weight loss.
  • spider veins.
  • confusion.

Does hepatitis make your urine smell?

A distinctive “sweet-musty” to “rotten egg” breath odor. Extreme bruising or bleeding. Abnormally decreased urine output.

Does Hep C affect the brain?

Hepatitis C affects the liver and is a condition that develops from an infection with the hepatitis C virus. Your liver is responsible for removing harmful substances from your blood, among other duties. When it doesn’t function properly, it can affect the entire body, including your brain.