17/07/2013
Hepatitis C:
About 25% of people who get hepatitis C defeat the virus after an acute infection. The rest will carry the virus in their body for the long term. Chronic hepatitis C can cause very serious complications, including liver failure and liver cancer. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the virus and reduce its impact on the liver
Hepatitis C spreads through infected blood. In the U.S., sharing needles or "works" to inject drugs is the most common cause of infection. Getting a tattoo or body piercing with an infected needle is another means of exposure. A mother may pass the virus to her child at birth. In rare cases, unprotected s*x spreads hepatitis C, but the risk appears small. Having multiple s*x partners, HIV, or rough s*x seems to increase risk for spreading hepatitis C. People who have injected illegal drugs at any time, even one time, many years ago, could be walking around with chronic hepatitis C. Because there are often no symptoms, many former drug users may not realize they have the infection. People who received a blood transfusion before 1992 also have an elevated risk. Prior to that year, donated blood was not screened for the hepatitis C virus. Chronic hepatitis can quietly attack the liver for years without causing any symptoms. Unless the infection is diagnosed, monitored, and treated, many of these people will eventually develop serious liver damage. Fortunately, blood tests can determine whether you have viral hepatitis, and if so, which kind. Testing is important for anyone with the risk factors we've mentioned, particularly injection drug users and people who have had multiple s*x partners. Health advocates are also urging people of Asian heritage to get tested. Stanford University's Asian Liver Center estimates that 1 in 10 Asians living in the U.S. has chronic hepatitis B. Many of them have probably had the virus since birth. Hepatitis A almost always goes away on its own, and no medication is needed. If nausea is a problem, try eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Drink water, juice, or sports drinks to stay hydrated. And avoid strenuous exercise until you're feeling better.