By raising awareness and understanding of Hepatitis C, we can work towards reducing the spread of this dangerous disease and promoting better health practices in our communities.
The deteriorating situation regarding Hepatitis C is primarily due to a severe lack of public awareness and knowledge, leading to widespread neglect of preventive measures. Pakistan has the highest rate of Hepatitis C infections globally. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) committed to eradicating hepatitis B and C virus by 2030. However, despite the availability of direct-acting antivirals and subsidized treatments, the prevalence of Hepatitis C has not decreased, and now ranked fifth in the world in the prevalence of this disease with around 8.8 million infections with 44% of all new hepatitis C infections attributed to unsafe medical injections.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is an infectious and chronic disease that causes inflammation in the liver cells, hindering the liver's ability to function properly. As a result, numerous symptoms may appear in the human body.
How is Hepatitis C Virus Transmitted?
In the early stages, Hepatitis C often shows no symptoms. As it becomes chronic, serious symptoms begin to appear, including abdominal fluid buildup, vomiting and blood in stools, coma (complete unconsciousness), jaundice, and an enlarged liver and spleen. Without effective treatment, liver cells can die, leading to liver cirrhosis.
Types of Hepatitis C Infections
Hepatitis C infections, like Hepatitis B, can be classified into two types: acute and chronic infections. However, Hepatitis C's acute infection is distinct in that it often shows no initial symptoms. Consequently, 80% of acute Hepatitis C infections progress to a chronic state, causing significant liver damage by the time of diagnosis.
Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis C
In the early stages, Hepatitis C often shows no symptoms. As it becomes chronic, serious symptoms begin to appear, including abdominal fluid buildup, vomiting and blood in stools, coma (complete unconsciousness), jaundice, and an enlarged liver and spleen. Without effective treatment, liver cells can die, leading to liver cirrhosis.
Diagnosing Hepatitis C involves blood tests to detect the virus and assess the body's immune response. Ultrasound and CT scans of the liver are also conducted to determine the disease's severity.
Treatment Options
The treatment duration for Hepatitis C can range from six months to a year. Various medications need to be taken consistently. Recent research suggests that the most effective treatment is "triple therapy," which involves using three different medications weekly for several months. The success of the treatment is evaluated by checking the presence of the virus in the blood and the immune response months after treatment completion. Like Hepatitis B, the ultimate and lasting treatment for Hepatitis C is liver transplantation, though the disease may recur. Unfortunately, liver transplants are not feasible in many countries.
Preventive Measures
Preventing Hepatitis C involves ensuring the virus does not spread. Key preventive measures include screening blood for Hepatitis C before transfusion, proper disposal of used syringes to prevent reuse, testing couples for Hepatitis C, testing women for Hepatitis C before and during pregnancy, and treating both mother and newborn if diagnosed. Sadly, there is no effective vaccine for Hepatitis C, so adhering to preventive measures is crucial to avoid the disease.
By raising awareness and understanding of Hepatitis C, we can work towards reducing the spread of this dangerous disease and promoting better health practices in our communities.
