Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by a virus, excessive alcohol consumption, immune or metabolic issues, or as a side effect of certain medications.
For classification purposes, viral hepatitis has been divided into six different types:
- Hepatitis A: this type is most commonly acquired in childhood and is caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
- Hepatitis B: a type of viral hepatitis that can be prevented through proper vaccination. It’s transmitted through blood or blood-derived products, as well as through certain sexual behaviors or substance use involving shared needles.
- Hepatitis C: in this type, the virus spreads through contact with the contaminated blood of an infected carrier, which can occur through sharing needles, improper care of an infected person, using unsterilized sharp instruments, or having unprotected sex.
- Hepatitis D: only occurs in people who are already carriers of the hepatitis B virus.
- Hepatitis E: an endemic disease transmitted through the fecal-oral route; Mexico is among the countries where it’s present.
- Hepatitis F: a very rare condition involving viruses other than those already mentioned.
“There are 58 million people living with chronic hepatitis C virus infection worldwide, with around 1.5 million new infections occurring each year. There are 3.2 million children and adolescents living with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.”
Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, which means there’s a risk of infection when sharing needles for drug use or other purposes, through improperly sterilized medical equipment, or through transfusions of contaminated blood; there have also been rare cases where an infected mother passes the virus to her baby, notes Dr. Aldo Torre Delgadillo, gastroenterologist and hepatologist at ABC Medical Center.
Currently, there’s no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection, unlike hepatitis B, but fortunately, treatments to cure and completely eliminate the virus do exist and are highly effective.
For this reason, it’s recommended to avoid the risk behaviors mentioned above. Today, it’s nearly impossible for a blood transfusion to involve contaminated blood, thanks to current testing methods and the strict controls blood banks follow. Because of this, making informed, responsible choices remains the best form of prevention.
Dr. Torre notes that hepatitis C infection typically begins without symptoms, and it can take decades for any to appear. Around 80% of people who contract the virus don’t experience an acute outbreak and never even realize they’ve been infected.
The remaining 20%, however, do experience an acute outbreak, with symptoms that can include fatigue, fever, joint pain, nausea, or vomiting. Other notable symptoms include dark-colored urine, very pale stools, and yellowing of the eyes.
An acute hepatitis C infection typically appears within the first month and can sometimes go away on its own thanks to the immune system; however, if left untreated, an acute infection can progress to a chronic one.
Chronic hepatitis C can last a lifetime and cause serious health problems, leading to liver damage, cirrhosis, cancer, and, in some cases, death.
Since most infected people don’t show any symptoms, it’s recommended to see a doctor regularly if you engage in any of the risk behaviors mentioned above. This allows the doctor to make a preliminary assessment and, if needed, order a blood test to check for anti-HCV (hepatitis C virus) antibodies.
If this test comes back positive, treatment with antiviral medication to eliminate the virus will follow. This treatment has been shown to be 98% effective and is taken orally.
Dr. Torre emphasizes that hepatitis C can be eradicated through proper prevention, and for people who engage in any of the risk factors mentioned, it’s important to get tested regularly. Anyone who contracts the virus should see a gastroenterologist or hepatologist for treatment.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
