Hepatitis C is a contagious, viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver. It is hard to diagnose, chronic disease with no vaccination. Understanding the causes and treatment of Hepatitis C is fundamental.
Common Causes of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a contagious disease but cannot be spread by superficial contacts like touching, hugging, sneezing, kissing or sharing food and water. For understanding the causes and treatment of Hepatitis C, it must be remembered that it can only be caused when someone comes in contact with an infected person’s blood. The most common ways of catching Hepatitis C include:
- Sharing drugs and needles or any other equipment like cotton, spoon etc.
which are commonly used to inject drugs.
Sexual contact may transmit Hepatitis C. Although the chances are very rare which may increase if one has multiple sexual partners. Mothers infected with Hepatitis C may transmit the virus to their child at the time of birth. Sharing hygiene equipment that may have blood on them like razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers with a Hepatitis C patient may transmit the virus. Pre-1992, Hepatitis C virus could be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants. However, post-1992, the chances are rare as all donated blood and organs are screened for Hepatitis C. Treatment of Hepatitis C
For understanding the causes and treatment of Hepatitis C, it must be remembered that the treatment will depend on the strain of virus that has caused the infection and whether it is acute or chronic Hepatitis C.
Acute Hepatitis C may not need treatment initially. However, if the body is unable to fight off the virus, it may become chronic Hepatitis C and a treatment may be recommended. Traditional drugs like ribavirin and interferon had been a mainstay of this treatment but lead to several side effects. Understanding the causes and treatment of Hepatitis C has to lead to more recent drugs known as DAA (Direct Acting Agents) like Harvoni, Zephier, Sovaldi, Olysio etc. that act directly on the virus with fewer side effects, can be consumed orally, and have a high cure rate.
Disclaimer:The content of the articles discussing symptoms, treatments, health conditions, and side effects is solely intended for informational purposes. It is imperative that readers do not interpret the information provided on the website as professional advice. Readers are requested to use their discretion and refrain from treating the suggestions or opinions provided by the writers and editors as medical advice. It is important to seek the help of licensed and expert healthcare professionals when necessary.
