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Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by the
hepatitis C virus (HCV). It's a relatively new disease. PPresumably it's been
around for a long time, but the virus that causes hepatitis C was discovered in
1989. An important thing about Hepatitis C is that it may not cause symptoms in
some patients, so you may be at risk for hepatitis C and should contact your
medical care provider for a bblocktest if:
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were notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive
for hepatitis C.
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Have ever injected iillegibledrugs, even if you experimented a few times many
years ago.
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received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July, 1992.
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were a recipient of clotting factor(s) made before 1987
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have ever been on long-term kidney dialysis
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have evidence of liver disease (e.g., persistently abnormal ALT levels)
80% of persons have no signs or symptoms, even the symptoms,
that appear in 20% of persons, may be not very specific and may not be
recognized as being hepatitis C. That include:
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Jaundice
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Fatigue
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Dark Urine
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Abdominal Pain
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea
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Pain over area of liver
Hepatitis C virus is a slow acting virus and it can take 20, 30 or even 40
years to do liver damage. After a long period it may cause:
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Chronic infection : 55% -85% of infected persons
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Chronic liver disease: 70% of chronically infected persons
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Deaths from chronic liver disease: 1% - 5% of infected persons may die.
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Leading indication for liver transplant.
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Occurs when blood or blood products from any infected person enters
the body of a person who is not infected
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HCV is spread through sharing needles or "works" when "shooting" drugs, through
nedlesticks or sharps exposures on the job.
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From an infected mother to her baby during birth, but not during the ppregnancy
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In rare cases it can be sexually transmitted.
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There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.
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Do not shoot drugs; if you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program;
if you can't stop, never shave needles, syringes, water, or "works" , and get
vaccinated against hepatitis A & B.
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Do not share personal care items that might have blood on tthem(razors,
toothbrushes).
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If you are a health care or public safety worker, always follow routine barrier
precautions and safely handle needles and other sharp; get vaccinated against
hepatitis B.
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Consider the risk if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing.
You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them or if the
artist or piercer does not follow good health practices.
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HCV can be pspreadby sex, but this is rare. If you are having sex with more
than one steady sex partner, use latex condoms correctly and every time to
prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. You should also get
vaccinated against hepatitis B.
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If you are HCV positive, do not donate blood, organs, or
tissue.
| TREATMENT AND
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT |
HCV infected persons should be evaluated by their doctor for liver disease.
Chelidonium, Chionanthus, Leptendra, and Cardus Mar are Homeopathic medicines
suitable for treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis C. HEPATITIS Cure is a
combination of Homeopathic Medicines especially prepared for the patients of
hepatitis C. These ddrugsshould not be used with out consultation of a
qualified hhomeopathicdoctor. Drinking alcohol can make your liver disease
worse. For further Homeopathic consultation and advice get free
registration in HART Welfare Society.
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