Viral hepatitis C predominantly proceeds in a chronic form, which is the greatest danger due to an increased risk of fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver cancer. The cause of the development of this disease, in which diffuse liver damage occurs, is the infection with the hepatitis C virus.
How does hepatitis C manifest itself?
The disease most often has a latent course, developing six months after the transferred, also in asymptomatic form, acute hepatitis C. Patients can only note increased weakness, rapid fatigue, decreased body weight, periodic increase in body temperature. In most cases, patients learn about the pathology by accident, undergoing medical examinations for other diseases or preventive examinations.
How is chronic viral hepatitis transmitted?
Infection can occur in various ways, but most often occurs through the hematogenous mechanism (through the blood). Infection can occur due to:
- performing piercing, tattooing with tools contaminated with the blood of a sick person or carrier of infection;
- sharing razors, manicure devices, toothbrushes on which infected blood may be found;
- injecting drug use with re-use of syringes;
- conducting operations, dental manipulation of infected devices;
- injuries during the work of medical staff with infected blood;
- procedures of blood transfusion , administration of blood products, mass vaccination.
It is also possible to transmit the hepatitis C virus from the carrier with unprotected sex and from the mother to the child during childbirth. At household contacts (handshakes, embraces, conversation, use of common utensils, etc.) this virus is not transmitted.
Treatment of chronic viral hepatitis
The choice of the course of treatment for hepatitis is carried out individually, takes into account the sex of the patient, the degree of liver damage, the genotype of the virus, the presence of other pathologies. The treatment is based on the use of antiviral drugs and medications that help to strengthen immunity .