Have You Been Told the Truth About Hepatitis All Your Life?

Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver that can make a person very ill. According to statistics, around 3.9 million people in the world have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and each year, 17,000 more are diagnosed. While Hepatitis C can be treated with medications, the disease can sometimes become chronic and lead to permanent damage of the liver. Scarring and inflammation can eventually lead to reduced liver function, which can bring on other health concerns that become difficult to manage. It is essential proper treatment is sought as soon as possible, because the treatment can help to prevent permanent damage from occurring.

There are many myths that are still going around regarding Hepatitis C. Often, people think they know about the condition when they really do not have all of the facts. Misinformation regarding Hepatitis C has led many people to avoid getting tested or seek treatment, which can become dangerous. The following offers an FAQ to shed light on the subject of Hepatitis C so individuals will know the facts.

The Six Questions

1. Does Hepatitis C only damage the liver?

A: Many people mistakenly believe this condition only affects the liver, but as it progresses, it can cause weakening in other organs, such as the heart, spleen, and kidneys. The reason for the weakening is because the liver's dysfunction places a greater degree of stress on other vital organs and causes them to be overworked.The more damage that occurs to the liver, the greater the loss of normal function. It is essential liver conditions are treated and managed before other organs begin to suffer.

2. Does Hepatitis C cause you to turn yellow?

A: Although in severe cases this disease can cause yellowing of the skin, this typically does not happen until many years have gone by. If a person notices the whites of their eyes become yellowed or their skin takes on a yellowish or golden tone, this means there is a problem with their liver that needs to be checked right away. Jaundice rarely occurs in the beginning stages of Hepatitis C infections, though it can occur as the liver becomes more damaged over time.

3. Can Hepatitis C be cured?

A: Most cases of Hepatitis C can be cured with medication, but there are some strains that become chronic and cannot be cured, only managed. Hepatitis C can be cured by taking the right combination of antiviral medications until the infection is completely cleared. The sooner medication intervention is sought, the better the chances of a full recovery before major damages occur to the liver or other organs. There are a variety of medications on the market that can be prescribed for Hepatitis C conditions.

4. What symptoms are caused by Hepatitis C?

A: Stomach pain, nausea, decreased appetite, tiredness, and jaundice are all symptoms. Sometimes, people go years without experiencing any symptoms of Hepatitis C, which is why health care professionals recommend testing be carried out on those who are at risk of having the condition, such as those who have had unprotected sex, shared drug needles, or who were born between 1945-1965. The more advanced the infection becomes, the more symptoms a person will begin experiencing. Some of the side-effects of the condition can become life-threatening if not treated in a timely manner.

5. How do you get Hepatitis C?

A: Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood. Although a person could contract this infection through an open cut and exposure to infected blood, this is not the most common means of transmission. Most people who have Hepatitis C got the condition from sharing needles, early blood transfusions, or with unprotected sex. It is not a condition that can be spread through normal daily activities. Individuals who come into contact with blood should make sure they protect themselves, so they are not at risk of being exposed to Hepatitis C.

6. Can Hepatitis C go away on its own?

A: According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, around 45 percent of Hepatitis C cases go away within six months, even without treatment. Although it is possible for the infection to clear up on its own, this does not mean damage will not occur as a result. Those who believe they may have Hepatitis C or have possibly been exposed need to schedule an appointment with their doctor for testing to be carried out right away.

If you have any of the symptoms of Hepatitis C or believe you may have been exposed, make sure you ask your doctor about testing, so you can protect the health of your liver and other organs. Hepatitis C is a condition that can often be cured, or at least properly managed with medication.