Hepatitis C (Hep C)

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation and infection of the liver. The condition develops after being infected with the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis can lead to serious liver damage. The liver is the most complex and vital organ in the body.

If you were born between 1945 and 1965, you need to be screened for hepatitis C. Check with your doctor.

Viral infections are a lot different than bacterial infections. Viruses are not really alive. Viruses reproduce by affecting the mechanism of a living cell. They may be broken down into two groups, according to whether they contain DNA or RNA. (DNA functions as the heredity molecule and is responsible for passing the traits of one generation on to the next. RNA keeps the DNA and genetic code protected from damage.) A virus particle consists of a outer covering wrapped around a strand of DNA or RNA. The outer covering has chemical feelers that can bond to the outside of a human cell. Once bonded to the cell, the virus injects its DNA (or RNA, depending on the virus) into the cell, leaving the outer covering on the outside of the cell. Enzymes (which are proteins) that the viral DNA creates are able to create a new viral covering. It is amazing how fast a virus can reproduce and infect other cells.

Certain foreign substances that enter your body trigger your immune system to make antibodies. Antibodies will only fight the foreign substance that they were created to fight. If you're infected with hepatitis C, your body will make antibodies that only fight hepatitis C.

Every chronic hepatitis C infection starts with an acute phase. Acute hepatitis C usually goes undiagnosed because it rarely causes symptoms.

Chronic hepatitis symptoms develop over a period of months and may or may not be apparent at first. The majority of people with hepatitis C don't have symptoms. If you do develop symptoms related to hepatitis C they are generally mild and flu-like and may include: feeling very tired, nausea, poor appetite, sore muscles, joint pain, stomach pain, itchy skin, dark urine, and/or fever.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood contact with someone infected with hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is contagious but it is unlikely you can get it through casual contact.

Diabetics have a high risk of being infected because of all the complications associated with diabetes. Diabetics should have a test run for hepatitis C - especially if you have been in contact with someone who has hepatitis C or were born between 1945 and 1965.

How do you get hepatitis C?

• Through blood transfusion's before 1992
• Received clotting factor concentrates or other blood products before 1987
• Received hemodialysis treatment for a long period of time
• Organ transplants
• Child birth (from a mother with hepatitis C to her baby)
• Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes, etc.
• Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing
• Sharing needles that have been used before
• Sexual contact if blood is exchanged

There are complications of hepatitis C that affect the liver. A large percentage of people develop chronic infection. Some people will develop chronic liver disease. Some with chronic hepatitis C will develop cirrhosis over a 20-30 year period. Cirrhosis involves loss of liver cells and irreversible scaring of the liver. Cirrhosis can become very serious.

There can also be a range of complications outside of the liver like dermatologic (skin) and/or musculoskeletal (joint and muscle) pain

There aren't any guidelines on how to manage your hepatitis C other than those your doctor gives you. There are many medications given to help treat hepatitis C. These include interferons and antivirals. Interferons are a type of cytokine that can change the way our immune system works. Cytokines are a brod and loose category of small proteins that are important in cell signaling. Their release has an affect on the behavior of cells around them.

There are several hepatitis C virus genotypes and not all hepatitis  medications treat all HCV infections. Once your doctor knows your hepatitis genotype, (a genotype is usually used when telling about the genetics of a particular trait) they have a better idea of what medication will work best for you.

There are some things you can do yourself like changing your lifestyle and dietary changes. Your best option is to take steps to help prevent becoming infected.

People with hepatitis C don't need to follow a special diet. The foods that an average, healthy person gets works just as well for people with hepatitis .

General dietary advice:

• Eat regular, balanced meals
• Maintain healthy calorie intake
• Eat whole-grain cereals, breads, and grains
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, especially fresh
• Get adequate protein
• Go easy on fatty, salty, and sugary foods
• Drink enough fluids
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight

Weighing too much or too little can allow hepatitis C to progress faster in your body. Overweight people are more likely to develop fatty deposits in the liver (called fatty liver) and will have abnormal tests results. Fatty liver can cause long-term problems with people who have chronic hepatitis C, it may make your hepatitis C treatment less effective.

You need to avoid alcohol and be careful with dietary supplements.

If you're at higher risk (like age and/or diabetic) of getting hepatitis C than the general public, you should get regular hepatitis screenings. There is no vaccine available, however there are treatment options available and hepatitis C may be cured (or cleared from the body). If you feel you may have hepatitis C, the sooner you know the better chances for successful treatment. It never hurts to ask your doctor about it.