Chronic Hepatitis C is a liver-specific viral infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). If left untreated, this illness frequently develops chronic, resulting in long-term liver difficulties. HCV spreads through contact with contaminated blood, most commonly through intravenous drug users sharing needles, risky medical procedures, or transmission from an infected mother to her child during childbirth. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact or sharing personal goods such as razors or toothbrushes, though these mechanisms of transmission are less prevalent. Once within the body, the virus can lay dormant for years or even decades without generating symptoms. During this time, however, it gradually destroys the liver, causing inflammation and scarring known as fibrosis. If left untreated, this can lead to cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver becomes badly damaged and loses its capacity to function normally. Chronic Hepatitis C symptoms may not appear until severe liver damage has occurred. Fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and a tendency to bleed or bruise easily are some of the symptoms. However, because many people with chronic Hepatitis C are asymptomatic for years, early diagnosis through testing is critical. Chronic Hepatitis C is diagnosed using blood tests that detect antibodies to the virus and quantify the amount of virus in the blood (viral load). In addition, imaging procedures such as ultrasounds or biopsies may be used to assess liver disease. Chronic Hepatitis C treatment has advanced dramatically in recent years. Direct-acting antiviral medicines have transformed the treatment of this illness, providing high cure rates with low adverse effects. These drugs target key stages of the HCV lifecycle, blocking virus replication and allowing the liver to recover. Treatment time and specific drugs are determined by a variety of criteria, including the virus's genotype and the level of liver damage. Following successful treatment, regular monitoring is required to confirm the virus has been eradicated and to examine the liver's condition. Avoiding alcohol, eating a nutritious diet, and getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B are all things that can help prevent additional liver damage. Early detection and treatment are critical for reducing complications and improving long-term results in those with chronic Hepatitis C.
