Approximately 1% of the population in Singapore are Hepatitis C positive. While this statistic may seem small, this virus is easily transmittable via an infected person’s blood or bodily fluid.
This means this disease can be transmitted through unprotected sex, intravenous drug use, or by sharing personal items, such as a razor or toothbrush. Even something as innocuous as getting your ears pierced or a tattoo can be a health risk if the tools are not adequately sterilised before use.
Furthermore, the few obvious symptoms make it challenging for someone to notice they have been infected. As such, it is vital for you to understand more about this disease to better protect yourself against any possible infection.
What is Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a known viral infection that causes liver inflammation leading to severe liver damage. One of the most common forms of transmission is through contact with the infected’s blood, placing specific individuals, such as healthcare workers or drug users, at high risk of being infected with the virus.
While both men and women can contract Hepatitis C, and its symptoms and complications are generally the same for both genders, it is possible for the virus to affect women differently. Most women may not notice any symptoms until the later stages of the disease, and they are more susceptible to acute Hepatitis C infections.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C
The symptoms of Hepatitis C are generally the same for both genders. Some of the most common symptoms include
- Lack of energy
- Jaundice
- Stomach pain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Lack of appetite
- Fever
- Dark-coloured urine
- Clay-coloured stools
- Nausea
Many people do not develop any symptoms until the infection reaches the later stages. And even if one were to experience said symptoms, they might brush it aside or mistake it for other common issues. Therefore, it is crucial for you to undergo regular testing to be 100% sure you are not infected.
While some Hepatitis C infections may be acute, which means the infection resolves itself without any form of treatment, others may end up being chronic. When this happens, the condition worsens and causes liver damage.
The symptoms for chronic Hepatitis C may differ and include:
- Confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness ( hepatic encephalopathy)
- Excessive fluid in the body, causing swelling to occur
- Enlarged spleen which causes pain
- Easy bleeding
- Spider angioma
- Redness of palm
How to prevent Hepatitis C?
Given that Hepatitis C can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, it is essential for you to adopt safe sex practices to safeguard your sexual health. Furthermore, getting a Hepatitis C test is highly recommended if you are 18 years old or older or sexually active.
Additionally, let us share the preventive measures you can take to minimise your risk of contracting the virus:
- Avoid direct exposure to blood or blood products – if you are a healthcare worker, you may possess a greater risk of contracting the virus. Therefore, you should take extra precautions to avoid coming into direct contact with a patient’s blood. Any tools used to draw blood should be disposed of safely or sterilised to prevent any infection.
- Avoid sharing personal items – exposure to a small amount of infected blood is all it takes to contract Hepatitis C. As such, it is crucial to avoid sharing toiletries, such as a razor or toothbrush.
- Avoid sharing needles – not only is substance abuse illegal and wrong, but those who partake in such activities are at risk of getting Hepatitis C, as it is a common practice for many drug users to share needles. However, if your medication, such as insulin, is administered intravenously, the needle should be adequately disposed of after use.
- Adopt safe sex practices – it is advised to practise monogamy and use a condom when engaging in sexual intercourse. Additionally, it is wise to go for regular STD screenings to stay informed on your sexual health.
- Only visit legitimate piercing and tattoo parlours – it is advisable to see a licensed tattoo and piercing artist who follows the proper sanitary procedures. If you are unsure, you can inquire about their disposal and sanitisation procedures beforehand.
Treatment
Hepatitis C can be classified as either acute or chronic. Patients with acute Hepatitis C are generally asymptomatic, and the virus will clear on its own without any treatment needed. Conversely, in the case of chronic Hepatitis C, your doctor may treat you with antiviral medication for 3 to 6 months.
Your doctor will also be monitoring your progress regularly throughout the treatment process. Once the treatment is completed, your viral load will be reassessed to determine whether the virus remains detectable in your blood.
If the virus is no longer detectable and this remains the case for a minimum of six months, you are deemed to be cured of the disease. However, if the viral load does not appear to be lowered, your doctor may advise you to undergo a second round of treatment.
Conclusion
It is natural to feel devastated when one receives news about a Hepatitis C infection. However, it is possible to cure this disease with early intervention and antiviral treatment. So if you have been diagnosed with the disease, it is crucial for you to remain calm and seek the advice of a medical professional who can assist you with your treatment.
Additionally, if you are sexually active or suspect you are at risk of contracting Hepatitis C, you should schedule a check-up and undergo STD testing in Singapore as soon as possible. At Elyon Clinic, we provide reliable and confidential STD screenings for patients who wish to stay informed of their sexual health. If you suspect that you may be at risk of contracting an STD, do not hesitate to contact us at 6802 7208 to schedule an appointment immediately.
