Hepatitis C, often called the ""silent killer,"" quietly attacks the liver, causing severe damage over time. Understanding its risks, symptoms, and treatments is crucial for prevention and early intervention.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus primarily transmitted through infected blood contact. Many infected individuals are unaware because symptoms may not appear until significant liver damage has occurred. Common transmission modes include needle sharing, contaminated blood transfusions, organ transplants, and, less commonly, sexual contact or childbirth.

Signs and Symptoms:

Hepatitis C can remain asymptomatic for years. Symptoms, when present, vary and may include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, loss of appetite, and nausea. These symptoms often go unnoticed or are attributed to other issues, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Complications:

Untreated hepatitis C can lead to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and failure, with life-threatening implications. It's also linked to extrahepatic manifestations, affecting organs like kidneys, skin, and nervous system.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Early detection is vital, typically through blood tests for hepatitis C antibodies. Advanced treatments like direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer cure rates over 95% with minimal side effects.

Prevention:

Prevention focuses on avoiding exposure: safe injection practices, avoiding needle sharing, using protection during sex, and screening blood donations.

Conclusion:

Though silent, hepatitis C's impact can be devastating. Raising awareness, promoting testing, and ensuring access to treatments are crucial in combating this epidemic and preventing suffering. Knowledge is power—get tested, get treated, and protect your liver health.