What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a disease that affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis C virus. The virus can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis infection, ranging in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness.
Most people infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have no symptoms and may live without being able to detect it.
How is it gotten?
Hepatitis C is gotten through contact with contaminated blood. The most common modes of infection are through unsafe injection practices; inadequate sterilization of medical equipment in some health-care settings; and unscreened blood and blood products.
How does one know he/she is infected?
Hepatitis C virus infection usually does not present any signs and symptoms until later stages. You will have to see the doctor if you notice the following symptoms: fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey-coloured faeces, joint pain and jaundice (yellowing of skin and the whites of the eyes).
Are there any other means of getting infected?
Hepatitis C is not spread through breast milk, food or water or by casual contact such as hugging, kissing and sharing food or drinks with an infected person.
Who are those at risk?
Your risk of hepatitis C infection is increased in the following instances:
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, therefore prevention of HCV infection depends upon reducing the risk of exposure to the virus in health-care settings and in higher risk populations.
Stop using illicit drugs. If you use illicit drugs, seek help.
Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing. If you choose to undergo piercing or tattooing, look for a reputable shop. Ask questions beforehand about how the equipment is cleaned. Make sure the employees use sterile needles. If employees won't answer your questions, look for another shop.
Practice safer sex if you choose to have sex. Don't engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners or with any partner whose health status is uncertain. Sexual transmission between monogamous couples may occur, but the risk is low.
hand hygiene: including surgical hand preparation, hand washing and use of gloves;
safe handling and disposal of sharps and waste;
safe cleaning of equipment;
testing of donated blood;
improved access to safe blood;
training of health personnel.
For people infected with the hepatitis C virus, WHO recommends:
Hepatitis C is a disease that affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis C virus. The virus can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis infection, ranging in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness.
Most people infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have no symptoms and may live without being able to detect it.
How is it gotten?
Hepatitis C is gotten through contact with contaminated blood. The most common modes of infection are through unsafe injection practices; inadequate sterilization of medical equipment in some health-care settings; and unscreened blood and blood products.
How does one know he/she is infected?
Hepatitis C virus infection usually does not present any signs and symptoms until later stages. You will have to see the doctor if you notice the following symptoms: fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey-coloured faeces, joint pain and jaundice (yellowing of skin and the whites of the eyes).
Are there any other means of getting infected?
Hepatitis C is not spread through breast milk, food or water or by casual contact such as hugging, kissing and sharing food or drinks with an infected person.
Who are those at risk?
Your risk of hepatitis C infection is increased in the following instances:
- health care worker who has been exposed to infected blood, such as may happen if an infected needle pierces your skin
- recipients of infected blood products or invasive procedures in health-care facilities with inadequate infection control practices
- children born to mothers infected with HCV
- people with sexual partners who are HCV-infected
- people with HIV infection
- people who have used intranasal drugs
- people who have had tattoos or piercings.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, therefore prevention of HCV infection depends upon reducing the risk of exposure to the virus in health-care settings and in higher risk populations.
For people infected with the hepatitis C virus, WHO recommends:
- education and counselling on options for care and treatment;
- immunization with the hepatitis A and B vaccines to prevent coinfection from these hepatitis viruses to protect their liver;
- early and appropriate medical management including antiviral therapy if appropriate; and
- regular monitoring for early diagnosis of chronic liver disease.
