You are a valuable person and deserve to have all the information about hepatitis C. Did you know that it’s a viral disease that affects your liver and is caused by a virus called HCV? It can be acute or chronic, but often there are no symptoms when contracted.
Unfortunately, hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with infected blood, such as unsafe blood transfusions, sharing of contaminated needles or syringes, or tattoos or piercings with non-sterilized materials. It can also be contracted during unprotected sexual activity or during childbirth from an infected mother to her child.
It’s important to know that the symptoms of hepatitis C can take weeks or even years to appear and may include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, muscle aches, and abdominal pain. You may also have yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating liver damage. However, many people with hepatitis C do not have symptoms and the only way to know if you are infected is through a specific test.
Hepatitis C Diagnosis
Importance of Getting Tested
As someone who cares about your health, it’s important for you to know that hepatitis C can be a silent disease that often does not present obvious symptoms. That’s why it’s important for you to get a diagnostic test to detect it in time. If detected early, hepatitis C can be successfully treated and cured.
There are several testing options to detect hepatitis C, including blood tests, urine tests, and genetic diagnostic tests. The blood test is the most common and is used to determine the presence of the hepatitis C virus in your body.
At MedmeSafe, they offer two options for sexually transmitted disease tests that include hepatitis C: the Sexually Transmitted Disease Test (7 STDs) and the Complete Test for Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections. Both tests are easy to perform and provide accurate and reliable results.
For more information about these tests, visit the following links:
Sexually Transmitted Disease Test (7 STDs): https://www.medmesafe.com/sexually-transmitted-diseases-test-7-std
Complete Test for Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections: https://www.medmesafe.com/complete-test-for-sexually-transmitted-diseases-and-infections
Additionally, MedmeSafe offers confidential and convenient testing. Samples are sent to a certified laboratory and results are securely sent by email. Getting tested with MedmeSafe is an important step in staying informed about your health and taking measures to protect it.
Treatment of Hepatitis C
You have the power to protect your health and prevent hepatitis C. This viral disease affects the liver and can cause significant damage if not treated properly. But fortunately, there are effective treatments available that can cure you if you are infected with the virus.
The most effective treatment for you will depend on several factors, such as the virus genotype, the severity of the infection, and the presence of concomitant liver diseases. Generally, treatments include direct-acting antiviral drug therapies combined with other medications. These treatments are highly effective and can cure you in a period of 12 to 24 weeks.
Early treatment for hepatitis C is essential to prevent long-term liver damage and reduce the chances of developing serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Additionally, the earlier you receive treatment, the greater the chances of success and the shorter the treatment duration will be.
To reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis C, you should avoid sharing needles, syringes, or other objects that may be contaminated with infected blood. Use condoms during sexual relationships, do not share personal items such as toothbrushes or scissors that may be contaminated with blood, and avoid tattoos or piercings performed with unsafe materials or techniques. Additionally, it is important to practice safe sexual behaviors, use condoms, and avoid unprotected sex with someone who has hepatitis C or any other sexually transmitted disease.
There are some additional tips you can follow to reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis C, such as avoiding sharing sexual toys with others, washing your hands well after changing diapers or helping someone use the bathroom, not sharing water or syringes during intravenous drug use, and getting regular hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted disease screening tests.
Remember, the best way to prevent hepatitis C is through early detection and timely treatment. That is why we recommend getting a sexually transmitted disease test regularly.
References:
World Health Organization. (2021). Hepatitis C. https://www.who.int/health-topics/hepatitis-c#tab=tab_1
Medline Plus (2021). Hepatitis C. https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/hepatitisc.html
Clément Destoumieux
PRESENT: + 20 years in complex legal and IT projects in France, the UK and Spain Expert in BioExpert exclusive network of experts in the sectors of life science and investment. Startups coordinator of ANIS (Spanish Association of Health Journalists) Lider ehealth in Asociación Española de Start up Active member of ASEBIO (Leading Spanish Biotech Association) PAST: Sociedad Española Informática de la Salud MBA in Ecole Des Mines – Nantes Master Degree in Ipag Business School in Paris