When we are infected with the hepatitis C virus, our body will start to produce antibodies to try to destroy it. The majority of the time the antibodies will fail in trying to identify the hepatitis C virus. HCV infection will then remain with us for a very long time. The majority of people who are infected with the HCV virus don’t even know that they are harboring this potentially deadly virus. Some of us will not experience any symptoms while others can take up to 10 to 15 years for any symptoms to develop. Some of us may harbor this virus for 20+ years before we discover that we have it. The hepatitis C virus can and does damage the liver. This damage may be minimal or very serious. Some of the symptoms that we have are:
Jaundice (yellowing eyes and skin)
Pain in the abdomen (Hepatalgia)
Loss of appetite
Symptoms will vary from person to person and day to day. HCV appears to be very cyclic. (Runs in cycles). There are many factors that will worsen our symptoms, alcohol being the worst! Alcohol is a LETHAL weapon when you have Hepatitis C. Stress as well as high protein foods can also worsen our symptoms.
Our liver is vital in maintaining our good health. It IS our bodies filter system. Our liver is virtually our power plant. The liver has numerous functions which include:
Filtering and Removing Toxins
Removal of drugs in our system
Manufacturing & storage of bile
Manufacturing Protein & Nutrients
Storing sugar & controlling the amount of sugar in our bloodstream
Converts nutrients into energy
Regulates fat storage
Helps resist infection
Removes bacteria from our system
If our liver is not functioning properly this affects many of the other organs and their functions within our system. When these are affected they will eventually suffer as well.
What exactly is a virus?
A virus is a very small organism with an outer skin that surrounds the core structure. It can and does infect almost all animal and plant species, including bacteria. Viruses can not live alone and are completely dependent upon us or their host in order to keep reproducing.
Where did it come from and why can't we get rid of it?
With research we have learned that the Hepatitis C virus can mutate (change rapidly) and there are many major sub-
What is the Probable outcome of contact with HCV?
Hepatitis C infection involves an initial acute phase of infection which we don't usually notice and it lasts from two to about six months. During this acute phase, our viral load in the blood increases tremendously until our bodies immune system starts producing antibodies. Although our antibodies try to fight the virus, in approximately 80-
Some of us with chronic infection will not have any noticeable symptoms or liver damage. Some of us will remain well, but we are still infectious and should take care to reduce any risk of transmitting the virus to others.
A majority of us who are infected will eventually develop liver damage and then the symptoms that are related to HCV will appear. Typical symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, muscle aches/pain and/or abdominal pain. Symptoms may become disabling because of the amount of liver damage that has been done. Researchers and Doctors still do not understand why we can suffer extreme fatigue.
Over a 15-
How is HCV transmitted?
The sharing of I.V. and snorting drug paraphernalia is now thought to be the most common way of becoming infected. All I.V. drug paraphernalia is involved -
Unsafe body piercing & tattooing: Body piercing and tattooing are not always carried outunder the best sterile conditions. (ie. Prisons, a friends home) Most times single-
Blood banks began testing for hepatitis C virus when the tests became available in 1990. Before this, all blood transfusions and blood products carried a risk, with about 20% of people with hepatitis C having been infected through contaminated blood or blood products. Blood banks now test all donated blood and inform donors who have tested positive for the hepatitis C antibodies or have high liver function test results. Risk of hepatitis C transmission is very low with these tests now in practice.
Mother to baby transmission: If a baby is born to a hepatitis C positive mother and its blood is tested at birth for the hepatitis C antibodies, the test will come back positive. This is because the baby has some of its mother’s antibodies, these antibodies will clear naturally with time. A test at 12 months usually confirms a toddler has the virus. <10% of babies actually acquire the virus from a mother with hepatitis C. Mothers in the acute phase of infection, or those with serious liver damage, have a higher risk at transmitting the virus to their baby.
Work related transmission occurs mainly through needle stick injuries. Healthcare workers are advised to always practice universal infection control precautions.
Household transmission is rare. It can occur if there is blood-
Sexual transmission of hepatitis C is very uncommon. All sexually active people should consider the benefits of safe sex in regard to the wide range of sexually transmissible diseases. If you have any condition that involves scratching, sores or blisters (especially when these may come into contact during sexual activity) the possibility of blood to blood contact and transmission is increased.
When one partner is hepatitis C positive couples need to reassess their sexual practices to exclude the risk of blood to blood contact during sex. Using condoms when a female partner is menstruating or when engaging in anal sex is recommended.
Breastfeeding: The hepatitis C virus has not been found in samples of breast milk taken from hepatitis C positive women. Transmission risk via breast milk is therefore very unlikely. Breastfeeding mothers should check their nipples before each feed and avoid breastfeeding if they are cracked or bleeding.
Who should be tested for Hepatitis C?
People who should consider having the test are those who have been tattooed, had body piercing or a needle-
What do HCV tests involve?
Antibody tests show us whether or not our body has been exposed to the virus and has started to produce the antibodies to fight it. They do not tell us whether or not we still have the virus or how long we've been infected with it. After becoming infected with the virus, it takes our bodies up to 6 months to develop antibodies. This is called the window period. During this time anyone who has an active infection can possibly show a negative antibody test.
If we get a positive test result back and we are not in the high risk factor background -
PCR tests were developed in 1994. This test requires many steps and is very expensive. PCR tests look for the presence of the virus, to determine your viral load and/or your genotype. It is also very useful in interpreting unclear antibody test results. The PCR test cannot tell how long we has been infected with the virus.
Please, ask for photocopies of all your medical charts and lab tests. If you should change doctors, or wish to get a second opinion, you then have your own records to show to other doctors and hospitals if the need should ever arise. Doctors offices and hospitals have been known to lose or destroy a patients records! Our doctors should always discuss with us the reason for having certain tests, history of HCV, the meaning of our test results, routes of transmission, general outcome of infection, and our treatment options. Our doctors should also provide us with all the information that allows US to make our own decisions on whether or not to be tested and/or treated. He or she should also be able to refer us to a specialist if needed.
How do I know what is happening?
Liver function tests measure the levels of certain enzymes in our blood. These enzymes are found in above normal levels if our liver cells are damaged and excess enzymes leak into our bloodstream.
Liver function tests are used as only a rough guide in determining the amount of liver damage from the hepatitis C virus, if damage exists. ALT is the most commonly monitored enzyme in liver function tests. Because of differences in technology, ‘normal ranges’ in each laboratory may differ. This means we shouldn’t compare our ALT result from one lab with results from a different lab. Use only the normal range quoted by our lab at the time of our test.
A doctor can offer ongoing evaluation of our condition by interpreting differences in liver function test results over the last 6 months or so, and whether or not we have physical symptoms or signs of liver disease. Liver function tests are done monthly, quarterly, twice a year or annually, depending on each of
Liver damage can occur even when our liver enzyme levels are normal. In some cases, where ALT readings remain high for a long time, or where they fluctuate greatly or if the readings don’t correlate with presence or lack of symptoms, then a liver biopsy may be done. Some Drs. will recommend a liver biopsy after 10 to 15 years of infection and every 1-
What is a liver biopsy?
A biopsy is the best way to determine what condition our liver is in. An injection of local anesthetic is given, a special needle is passed between the ribs and into the liver. A small sample is taken for microscopic examination. Some doctors use an ultrasound machine to guide them when performing a biopsy.
For those of us with blood clotting disorders, liver biopsies are not advised because of the small risk of internal bleeding. Some of us experience pain during the procedure, some of us never even realize the biopsy has taken place. Local anesthetic is always used, but if you are concerned, you can ask for pain medication and something to keep you calm.
After the biopsy, you will be asked to lie still for several hours. I suggest taking a book, radio with headphones or even a book or tape.
The biopsy results will tell the condition of various parts of our liver and individual types of liver cells in great detail.
What treatments are there for hepatitis C?
Interferon is currently the only treatment shown to have any effect on hepatitis C, although trials are being conducted to examine the effectiveness of a number of other treatments. ie. Interferon/Ribaviran, and Amantadine. Also included are herbs and other natural therapies. Those of us with symptoms, and whose biopsy results show damage can be considered for interferon treatment. Treatment involves injections, three times a week, from six months to as long as 3 years..
Around 60% of that patients respond well while on treatment, but only about 20-
Interferon treatment almost always involves side effects. Side effects vary from person to person. Some of us don't have any side effects at all. Some of us have such severe side effects that we have to stop treatment. If you are considering Interferon make yourself aware of the possible side effects before making your decision.
Interferon side effects can include:
Flu like symptoms
Sometimes these symptoms may be so severe that a person has to stop treatment. Side effects may lessen as our body develops a natural tolerance to the Interferon. Depression and mood swings may worsen and need to be monitored closely. If you find your depression getting worse, ask your doctor for an antidepressant.
If you have a history of psychological problems such as depression, an initial psychological assessment should be given. Interferon treatment may still be given but will be monitored very closely as it can cause these pre-
Current guidelines for specialists prescribing Interferon for HCV include:
Liver biopsy that shows you have active hepatitis
Positive antibody test
Elevated ALT levels
No history of major psychological problems -
No history of autoimmune liver disease
Natural therapies have been used to treat hepatitis C and its symptoms. Currently, there have been few research trials to test just how effective natural therapies are in treating hepatitis C. Positive results have been reported by some of us using natural therapies yet some of us have found no observable benefits. As with any treatment, wrongly prescribed medicines can be harmful.
Some of us may choose natural therapies as a first or a last resort. Others may not use them at all. Some may use them in conjunction with pharmaceutical drug treatments. Whichever way you choose, you should be fully informed.
What can I do myself?
As with any chronic disease, maintaining the best physical and psychological health will help you cope with any symptoms and illness. Although there is no proven link between diet and progression of hepatitis C, some people with the condition do report feeling better when avoiding fatty foods.
Avoiding alcohol use, eating a healthy balanced diet, planned exercise, managing stress, discussing and sharing your emotions, getting adequate rest will all help to keep you as healthy as possible.
Alcohol use is probably the most important factor, because alcohol is a poison to the liver.
Unless taken as directed, some prescribed and over the counter medications can be harmful to our damaged liver. Some medications may seriously damage our liver when taken in high doses or for too long. It is therefore important to consult a doctor or pharmacist about your current medications, or any proposed medications, and follow the directions.
If you have a serious liver disease (eg. cirrhosis) it is best to avoid aspirin and to consult your doctor about all medications.
Issues for partners, parents, family and friends
Vertical transmission: This means the transmission of the virus from a hepatitis C positive mother to her baby during pregnancy or at birth. It occurs in less than one in 10 births. If a mother contracts hepatitis C during pregnancy, though, the risk of transmission is increased above one in ten (due to her increased viral load). For most hepatitis C positive women, the overall risk of vertical transmission is quite low and the outlook for babies who are born HCV positive does not warrant termination of pregnancies.
Transmission to sexual partners is very uncommon. Hepatitis C is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease, but all sexually active people should consider the necessity for safe sex in regard to the wide range of sexually transmitted diseases.
Disclosure: At some point in time, people who have hepatitis C may decide to tell their current sexual partner(s). When another partner is advised of HCV infection, it may assist to have written hepatitis C information on hand.
HCV transmission to family members is uncommon:
Hepatitis C is not transmitted by ordinary social contact such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sharing food and drinks, using the same cutlery and plates, using the same shower and toilet facilities, and using the same towels and washing machine.
It is better not to share razors, toothbrushes or any items able to be contaminated by blood. If you have hepatitis C, you should clean and cover cuts with waterproof dressing. Spilled blood should be cleaned up using paper towels and bleach straight from the bottle. Bloodstained items such as bandaids, dressing, tampons and pads should be secured in plastic bags before going into a bin.
What does hep C mean for kids?
Although much research has been done on adults, particularly those of us who have had blood transfusions, there have been few studies done on infants and children. It is difficult to say if here would be any major differences to the outcome of hepatitis C infection in children.
Who should I tell?
Individuals are not personally obligated to inform anyone of their status. Doctors and blood testing laboratories inform health departments of HCV positive test results. This information is treated confidentially and used for statistics to help in planning health services where they are most needed.
Within workplaces and healthcare settings, government endorsed universal blood and body fluid precautions and other procedures are intended to reduce the risk of transmission of HCV. Health officials recommend that people with HCV inform their healthcare workers fully of their health status as this is often necessary for good health care.
Some healthcare workers may have judgmental attitudes or unnecessarily exaggerated fears of infection. People should carefully consider whether to inform healthcare workers, or which healthcare workers to inform, in light of possible discrimination.
Surgeons, operating room nurses, dentists, dental assistants and other healthcare workers who work with blood and blood products should be guided by their State health department policies.
If you have hepatitis C you should not donate blood, semen or organs.
What can be done about discrimination?
It is important to remember that people with HCV should not be treated differently from anyone else. This applies to all of everyday life, including buying or renting goods or services, healthcare services, applying for a job, getting a promotion at work or maintaining privacy in our neighborhood.