Hepatitis C is a viral health issue that has affected some 2.4 million Americans between 2013 and 2016, according to the CDC, and if left untreated, can have severe health consequences. In this post, we look at what Hepatitis C is, how it's transmitted, and more. Take responsibility for knowing your status with STDRapidTestKits.com discreet at-home Hepatitis C testing kit.
08 October 2024
3 min read
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What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C, popularly known as "Hep C" or HCV, is a viral infection that mostly affects the liver. The symptoms may be mild or severe; it is generally asymptomatic in its acute phase, hence most people do not know they have the infection. Symptoms, if present, could show up from one to three months after exposure and may include the following: fatigue, nausea and vomiting, fever, muscle pains, and more dangerous symptoms like jaundice and abdominal pain.
If left untreated, acute hepatitis C can become chronic hepatitis C, which leads to life-long health issues, including liver damage and possibly liver failure. Since not all acute infections progress to chronic infections, all cases of chronic hepatitis C began as acute. This "silent" virus can be in your body for many years without significant signs or symptoms before liver disease is advanced.
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Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus. To date, there are seven known HCV genotypes in the world, further divided into more than 67 known subtypes. These genotypes do not play a role in the aggressiveness of the virus, but they do help determine appropriate treatment.
The Spread of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C most frequently spreads when infected blood enters the bloodstream of someone who is not infected. This commonly occurs when sharing drug-injection equipment contaminated with blood from someone who has the infection. Transmission may also occur from tattoo or piercing equipment that hasn’t been cleaned properly, through blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, and unsafely sterilized medical procedures. A baby can also get hepatitis C from an infected mother at birth.
Sharing personal items that have been in contact with infected blood can also spread the infection when the contaminated blood enters your bloodstream.
Sexual Transmission of Hepatitis C
Although sexual transmission of Hepatitis C is not typical, it may occur during sexual activities with blood exposure. Sharing drug-injection equipment with a sexual partner carries a higher risk of transmission than unprotected sex. Transmission rates are higher among partners who test positive for HIV.
Modes of Non-Transmission
Hepatitis C is not transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, handshaking, or even sharing food and utensils. It also cannot be transmitted by coughing and sneezing. In fact, this virus cannot be transmitted by other means beyond blood exposure.
Prevention of Hepatitis C Transmission
Though Hepatitis C is curable today, prevention is always better than treatment. Do not share needles or other drug-injection equipment, always go to reputable tattoo or piercing places, and practice safe sex. Regular STD testing can also help prevent Hepatitis C infection.
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