Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. It will cause liver disease. Usually Hepatitis C does not have any symptoms. During the first stage (the first 6 months) the virus can go away if treated early. After 6 months the disease becomes chronic and can cause liver failure, liver cancer or even death. Of the people who get infected with hepatitis C 8 out of 10 persons develop chronic hepatitis C

What kind of symptoms can you get?

During the first stage most people do not have any symptoms. When symptoms develop, you may feel fatigued, a loss of appetite, nausea, have belly pain, and the color of skin and eyes may turn yellow. When you develop chronic hepatitis C it can take many years before you get any. Symptoms that can then occur are bone pain, pain in your belly, excessive bleeding and other symptoms caused by liver damage.

How does spread?

Hepatitis C is transmitted through the blood of an infected person. This can happen This can happen through sharing needles or when you stick yourself accidently with an hepatitis C contaminated needle. The probability that you get infected through sex is possible though small.

How do I get tested for it?

You come to our facility and our friendly trained staff will gently draw a blood sample and sent it out to the lab. Most results will be back within 24-48 hr. You can come and pick them up or we can sent them or fax them to you treatment.

Can it be treated?

Hepatitis C may go away by itself and when it gets chronic it can be treated with antiviral medicines to prevent the disease from getting worse.

What if I don’t get it treated?

Untreated hepatitis C can result in liver damage or death. Unfortunately there isn’t a vaccine against hepatitis C. The best way to prevent Hepatitis C is not to share needles and to use a condom when you are sexually active.