Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C

Hhis liver infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus. In Singapore, there were 453,700 cases of people living with Hepatitis C in 2009. However, since it often presents few symptoms, many affected individuals remain unaware of their condition.

There are various strains of the hepatitis C virus, with type 1 being the most prevalent in Singapore. While none of these strains is inherently more severe than the others, they may respond differently to treatment.

What Are the Symptoms

Many individuals with Hepatitis C do not experience symptoms. However, some common signs include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin, along with dark urine)
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Fatigue

How Is It Contracted

The virus is primarily transmitted through the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.

Modes of transmission include

• Sharing needles or drug paraphernalia
• Engaging in sexual activity, particularly with multiple partners, if you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), HIV infection, or practice rough sex
• Accidental needlestick injuries
• Vertical transmission from an infected mother to her child during childbirth

Hepatitis C is not spread through food, water, or casual contact.

Who Is at Risk

The CDC advises testing for Hepatitis C if you:

• Received blood from a donor with the disease
• Have a history of intravenous drug use
• Underwent a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992
• Received blood products for clotting disorders before 1987
• Were born between 1945 and 1965
• Underwent long-term kidney dialysis
• Are HIV-positive
• Were born to a mother with hepatitis C

How Is It Diagnosed

A blood test can determine the presence of the hepatitis C virus.

Are There Long-Term Complications

Yes, approximately 75% to 85% of individuals with hepatitis C develop chronic infection, which can lead to serious conditions such as liver cancer and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). Liver transplantation may be necessary in severe cases, making it one of the leading reasons for liver transplants.

How Is It Treated

Treatment for hepatitis C has evolved significantly in recent years. One of the newer medications, Harvoni, is a once-daily pill that cures the disease in most individuals within 8-12 weeks. It combines two drugs, sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) and ledipasvir. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials were fatigue and headache.

Other recent drugs include ombitasvir-paritaprevir-dasabuvir-ritonavir (Viekira Pak), ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir (Technivie), and daclastasvir (Daklinza), which do not require interferon and achieve higher cure rates in shorter durations. However, ombitasvir-paritaprevir-dasabuvir-ritonavir and ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir carry an FDA warning of severe liver injury in individuals with underlying severe liver disease. These medications tend to be expensive.

Can It Be Prevented

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C. However, you can reduce your risk of infection by:

• Consistently using latex condoms during sexual intercourse
• Avoiding the sharing of personal items such as razors
• Exercising caution during procedures like tattoos, body piercings, or manicures, as the equipment may have traces of someone else's blood
• Refraining from donating blood or tissue if you are infected..