by Partha Nandi, MD
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Today we’ll talk about a disease affecting 170 million people worldwide! It’s Hepatitis C, an infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus. Celebrities from Pamela Anderson to Naomi Judd and Steven Tyler have announced they have been affected by this virus. How do you get Hep C? Using intravenous drugs is a major risk factor. So is having a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992. Healthcare workers getting stuck with a needle also can get this infection. Tattooing is associated with increased risk of Hepatitis C. Sharing personal items like razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers can lead to Hepatitis C. Most people infected with the virus become chronically infected. Most people infected have no symptoms. Fatigue can be present in some patients.
So how do you diagnose Hep C? Usually a blood test to look for antibodies is used. To confirm infection, another blood test called Hep C RNA test is used. A liver biopsy can tell you how much damage there is to the liver.
Who gets this damaging disease? About 3% of the world’s population is infected. Countries in Africa and Asia have increased number of patients. Once diagnosed, it’s critical to see your doctor to find out whether treatment is right for you. Treatments include oral medications and injections. This can result in a cure for many patients depending on what type of virus is present. Most patients in the US, South America and Europe have Genotype 1 virus.
Partha’s Prescription for Hepatitis C
- Early testing: Hepatitis C may not give any symptoms. If you feel you’re at risk, see your doctor and ask if treatment is right for you.
- If you’ve had treatment for Hep C in the past and it’s been unsuccessful, new treatments are now available. See your doctor. You may be able to have a successful cure!
- If you’re using drugs that can put you at risk for Hepatitis C, please get treatment and stop. At the very least, don’t share needles or straws to help prevent the spread of Hepatitis C.
- Please help to increase the awareness of Hep C and its devastating consequences. Join an advocacy group and help your community understand how to prevent and treat this condition.
