Hepatitis C is an infectious liver disease brought on by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C infections take place when the virus is able to enter the blood stream and reach the liver. There are other types of viral hepatitis such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E. These diseases and the viruses that cause them are not related to hepatitis C even though they also
How long does hepatitis C take to manifest?
Not everyone infected with the hepatitis C virus will experience symptoms, and the incubation period for the disease can range from 2 weeks to 6 months. The incubation period for hepatitis C is typically 6 to 7 weeks.
What signs or symptoms does hepatitis C have?
For about 60 to 75% of people, hepatitis C infection will go unnoticed (asymptomatic), but if symptoms are present, they can include fever, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, fatigue, joint pain, dark urine, pale feces, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), which can last for up to 12 weeks. Health Canada reports that about 60 to 70% of people will go unnoticed (asymptomatic).
What hepatitis C tests are available?
Depending on how long ago the suspected infection occurred, one of two primary diagnostic tests for hepatitis C—the hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) test or the hepatitis C ribonucleic acid (RNA) test—may be employed.
Hepatitis C is spread in what way?
People can contract the hepatitis C virus by sharing toothbrushes, nail clippers, razors, or scissors with infected individuals, using needles, being exposed to blood at work, using unsterile equipment for body piercing, tattooing, or acupuncture, going to a dental or medical office with lax infection control procedures, or using drug paraphernalia like spoons, pipes, needles, or other utensils.
How widespread is hepatitis C?
The Public Health Agency of Canada also reports that up to 245,987 Canadians may be living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (2011), but that an estimated 44% are unaware of their infection. Between 2006 and 2015, the average rate of reported HCV infection in Canada was 32.2 per 100,000 people.
How is hepatitis C managed?
Health Canada now considers hepatitis C to be a curable infection. When treatment is required, hepatitis C is typically treated with direct-acting antiviral medications.
What professions carry a higher risk of contracting hepatitis C?
The likelihood of contracting hepatitis C at work depends on the frequency of contact with human blood or blood products and the risk of needlestick injuries. In general, occupational groups at higher risk include those who work in healthcare, dentistry, and laboratories and who are frequently exposed to human blood.
How can hepatitis C be avoided at work?
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends routine practices when there is a risk of exposure to blood or specific body fluids because infection control precautions are the first line of defense to protect workers from hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases currently there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The risk of hepatitis C can be significantly reduced by implementing infection control guidelines suitable for the specific workplace.""" - https://www.affordablecebu.com/
