DISEASES AND CONDITIONS

Getting Support for Hepatitis C

By Temma Ehrenfeld @temmaehrenfeld
 | 
March 20, 2023
Getting Support for Hepatitis C

Most people with hepatitis C have it for the rest of their lives. But many people never have any major problems. You can help keep hepatitis C under control.

Hepatitis C infections are generally caused by sharing intravenous (IV) needles or any other equipment that uses needles (tattoo parlors) or injects drugs.

Hepatitis C is a virus that infects your liver and can cause symptoms for a few weeks, or they can be long-term.

Hepatitis can be described as acute, a new infection that usually occurs within six months of exposure to the virus. A chronic infection means it’s lifelong if left untreated.

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

 

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Symptoms of hepatitis C

  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dark urine
  • Abdominal pain
  • Joint pain
  • Gray-colored stools
  • Jaundice

In around three-quarters of cases, the virus never leaves and over a lifetime can cause liver cancer or serious scarring (known as cirrhosis). Many people may not realize that they are carriers.

What you can do

  • Follow up with your medical team. Learn more about your condition and how to keep yourself healthy. Ask about treatments that may help your body fight hep C.
  • Avoid things that can make hepatitis C worse. Drinking alcohol makes you much more likely to have health problems related to the virus. So does using certain medications and supplements. If you avoid them, you can greatly increase your chances of staying healthy.
  • Protect others from becoming infected. Learn how the virus spreads from one person to another. Then take steps to keep from spreading it to other people.

Finding support

Talking to others with hepatitis C may help you feel more in control. Join a support group or find one on the internet.

Resources include:

 

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Updated:  

March 20, 2023

Reviewed By:  

Janet O'Dell, RN