Hepatitis C
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 4.1 million Americans have been infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV); 3.2 million of these are diagnosed as "chronically infected." HCV is one of six identified hepatitis viruses (A, B, D, E and G are the others). All of these viruses affect the liver. HCV, however, has no vaccine (unlike A and B) and is generally considered to be among the most serious hepatitis virus.
Causes and Effects
- HCV is transmitted by coming into contact with HCV-infected blood;
- Most people have contracted HCV through blood transfusions, usually received before 1992, when better blood-screening tests became available;
- Other causes of HCV infection are less common, but still prevent risk of infection: drug use in which needles are shared, tattoos and piercings, sex with an infected person (rare) and mother-to-infant transmittal during birth (rates of infection are higher among women who have both HCV and HIV);
- Over time, HCV can cause liver cancer, failure or cirrhosis (potentially fatal and irreversible scarring of the liver);
- In its early stages, HCV often causes no discernable signs or symptoms in an infected person.
Signs/Symptoms
- While a simple blood test can determine whether or not a person has HCV, there are often no outward symptoms of infection for many years;
- Early symptoms can include: minor fatigue, muscle or joint pains, tenderness around liver (abdominal pain) and nausea/decreased appetite;
- Advanced-stage symptoms include: jaudice (yellowing of eyes and skin), fatigue, dark urine, appetite loss, fever and nausea/vomiting.
What You Should Know
- The risks associated with HCV are greater for people who also have HIV;
- HCV may also increase a person's risk of developing several types of lymphatic system cancers;
- HCV can come in one of six known genotypes (genetic makeup), so it is important to find out which genotype of HCV a person has before beginning any treatment;
- How much of the virus a person has in her/his system (the viral load) can also be determined by further tests;
- Medical treatment is available for HCV, and can successfully clear the infection from the blood, depending on the type and extent of infection;
- If you are infected with HCV, you can help others avoid being contaminated by covering open wounds, not sharing your toothbrush or razor, and not donating your organs, blood or semen;
- Be sure you tell any health care workers who work with you that you have HCV.
People infected with HCV can greatly benefit from certain lifestyle changes, such as regular excercise, sound nutrition, elimination of alcohol from the diet and avoiding medications that can cause liver damage. Naturally-occuring treatments, like the herb milk thistle, have also been used successfully in Europe for centuries to treat liver disorders (Mayo Clinic, Sept. 2007). At Immune Recovery and Wellness, P.C., we know that the symptoms of HCV, and the side effects of its medical treatment, can seriously affect your body, mind and spirit. We offer a number of natural/holistic treatments and counseling to help you manage your symptoms and gain control of your life.
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