Hepatitis C, Definition, Causes and Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis C virus. If it persists for a long time, hepatitis C can cause chronic liver disease, liver failure, and liver cancer.
The term hepatitis is used for any type of inflammation of the liver. There are several types of hepatitis, but the most common is hepatitis caused by a virus ( viral hepatitis ). Hepatitis caused by this virus is further divided into five, one of which is hepatitis C. Hepatitis B, Definition, Causes and Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
Causes and Symptoms of Hepatitis C
The Hepatitis C virus is transmitted through blood. This can happen through blood transfusions or sharing needles. The Hepatitis C virus can also be transmitted through unprotected sex with sufferers.
Hepatitis C causes no symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms of this condition generally appear when the infection has lasted a long time and causes damage to the liver. Symptoms that can appear are weakness, no appetite, and jaundice.
Hepatitis C Treatment and Prevention
Hepatitis C usually goes away on its own. However, in some cases, hepatitis C can develop in the long term (chronic). In these conditions, the doctor can give antiviral drugs, or suggest a liver transplant procedure if complications arise.
There is no specific vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Therefore, prevention of this disease is to avoid the risk of hepatitis C virus infection, namely by:
- Do not share the use of personal items with others
- Do not change sexual partners
- Not abusing drugs or sharing needles