Hepatitis C is a liver infection that causes inflammation of the liver. The Hepatitis C virus causes this liver infection and can lead to severe liver damage if left untreated. This virus commonly spreads when an individual comes in contact with the blood of an infected individual. There are several antiviral medications available for the treatment of people with ongoing or chronic hepatitis C. People can also get cured of Hepatitis C infection by using these medications.
A significant issue facing the majority of people with Hepatitis C is that they don’t get tested and have no idea that they are carrying this viral infection. This is because some people can go several years without showing any symptoms. Regular screening is very important to your well-being, whether you show symptoms or not.
Book us onlineHepatitis C infection always starts in its acute phase before worsening into a chronic or long-term infection. You may notice mild to no symptoms in the acute stage of Hepatitis C, which makes it more difficult to diagnose. If you show symptoms in the acute stage, they may be in the form of fatigue, fever, jaundice, muscle aches and nausea.
Those with chronic Hepatitis C may experience different symptoms, and these symptoms may not appear for many years. You may only notice symptoms when the Hepatitis C virus has damaged the liver.
Some of these symptoms include:
You may have acute Hepatitis C without it progressing into a chronic or long-term infection. If you detect the infection in the early stages, you can clear the infection from your body, and this is known as spontaneous viral clearance. Your healthcare practitioner might advise antiviral therapy to clear acute hepatitis C.
The Hepatitis C virus causes this viral infection. This infection is spread when an infected person’s blood comes in contact with the bloodstream of another individual. There are so many types of Hepatitis C infection, and they are known as genotypes. We have over 70 subtypes and seven genotypes of Hepatitis C, and genotypes 1 and 3 are the most common in the UK and other parts of Europe.
Treatment for Hepatitis B may differ based on the type of viral genotype. The introduction of newer antiviral medications makes it possible to treat a variety of genotypes.
If you are at a high risk of exposure or have any of the following, then you should go get tested. They may include:
Chronic or long-term hepatitis C can lead to severe complications, such as:
Taking certain precautions can protect you from this viral infection. You should do the following to reduce your risk of getting infected with Hepatitis C virus, including:
At STI Clinic UK, your sexual health and well-being are a priority for us. We offer Hepatitis C test if you are in London or the environs and feel you might have been recently exposed to this virus. Our team of medical professionals will be sure to provide professional diagnosis, treatment, and advice if needed. Call us today to book an appointment!