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Hepatitis C

Southkenmd.co.uk Clinic is committed to improving health and wellness by creating awareness of critical conditions affecting communities. Hepatitis C is among the most significant viral infections that attack the liver, causing inflammation of the body organ and resulting in serious complications. By understanding the condition, we can prevent, diagnose, and treat it effectively.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection causing inflammation that damages your liver. You can get the infection if exposed to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) after contact with blood that carries the virus. Here are some key facts you need to know about Hepatitis C:

  • The hepatitis C virus is the source of hepatitis C, an inflammation of the liver.
  • The virus can cause acute or chronic hepatitis, which can range in severity from a minor ailment to a serious, lifelong condition that includes liver cirrhosis and cancer.
  • Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus, and the majority of infections are brought on by blood exposure via unsafe injection procedures, hazardous medical treatment, unscreened blood transfusions, injectable drug use, and blood-exposure-related sexual acts.
  • Approximately 1.0 million new cases of hepatitis C virus infection occur each year, and an estimated 50 million individuals worldwide suffer from chronic diseases.
  • Around 242,000 individuals died from hepatitis C in 2022, according to WHO estimates, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer).
  • Although more than 95% of people with hepatitis C can be cured with direct-acting antiviral medications (DAAs), diagnosis and treatment are not widely available.
  • Currently, no reliable vaccination prevents hepatitis C.

Symptoms

Another difficulty in combating Hepatitis C is its asymptomatic nature. Acute infections are asymptomatic, and chronic infections may remain undetectable for years. Where symptoms are present, they may indicate a common illness or a severe liver disease.

Some common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Pale stools
  • Joint pain
  • Swelling in the legs or abdomen (ascites)
  • Confusion or drowsiness (hepatic encephalopathy)

These symptoms, especially when persistent, should prompt immediate medical attention to assess liver health.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help - get in touch or book your appointment today.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help - get in touch or book your appointment today.

Transmission of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C spreads through contact with infected blood. The most common methods of transmission include:

  • Sharing needles or syringes during drug use.
  • Unsafe medical procedures involving unsterilized equipment.
  • Receiving unscreened blood transfusions or organ transplants (particularly before the early 1990s).
  • Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.
  • Rarely do sexual practices involve blood exposure.

Contrary to most myths, Hepatitis C cannot be transmitted through shaking hands, hugging, kissing, or even food or beverages.

Diagnosis: Identifying Hepatitis C Early

Hepatitis C must be diagnosed at an early stage to avoid serious repercussions. Nevertheless, because this pathogen is an entropic virus, a person rarely knows they are infected except when severe liver disease is present.

At Southkenmd.co.uk Clinic, we recommend routine screening for Hepatitis C for individuals aged 18 to 79. Testing involves a two-step process:

  • Serological testing: Detects antibodies indicating prior or current infection.
  • RNA testing: Confirms active infection and determines whether treatment is needed.

Additional tests include liver function tests or imaging that determine the severity of liver damage or the patient's treatment plan.

Treatment Options: A Revolution in Care

Direct-acting antiviral medications (DAAs) have sparked notable changes in Hepatitis C treatment. These medications are very effective, with cure rates higher than 95% for most people. Treatment may take 12-24 weeks, and the drugs are not likely to cause severe complications, thus making them usable by most patients.

Some widely used DAAs include:

  • Elbasvir/grazoprevir
  • Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir
  • Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir
  • Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir
  • Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir

Treatment is tailored based on factors such as the virus genotype, liver health, and other medical conditions. Our clinic provides personalized care to ensure the best outcomes for each patient.

Prevention: Taking Control of Your Health

While there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, prevention is possible through simple yet effective measures:

  • Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
  • Ensure medical procedures are performed using sterilized equipment.
  • Practice safe sex, especially in situations involving potential blood exposure.
  • Be careful about body piercing and tattooing.

At Southkenmd.co.uk, we also prioritize education and awareness to help reduce the stigma surrounding Hepatitis C and encourage proactive health management.

Complications

Hepatitis C infection that endures over many years can cause serious complications, such as:

  • Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). Scarring makes it more hard for the liver to work.
  • Liver cancer. A small percentage of people with hepatitis C infection get liver cancer.
  • Liver failure. Too much scarring can make the liver to fail.

Global Efforts and Our Commitment

There is a growing response globally against Hepatitis C. The WHO health sector strategies are based on the goal of eradicating Hepatitis C by 2030, with a focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and better treatment facilities.

Our work aligns with such set goals: to promote accessible testing and treatment, integrate simplified models of care, and collaborate with various community-based organizations that reach the most vulnerable populations.

Living with Hepatitis C: Supporting Our Patients

Living with Hepatitis C can be overwhelming, but it will not be so if you get the support that you require and adequate care. We encourage patients to take steps to protect their liver, such as:

  • Avoiding alcohol, which can accelerate liver damage.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight reduces liver strain.
  • Staying updated on vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B.

Our team is here to guide patients through their journey, offering counselling, treatment, and lifestyle recommendations to ensure they achieve the best possible health outcomes.

If you have any other questions about Hepatitis C or would like to schedule an appointment to get tested, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your health is our concern.

We are open

Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm

Friday 8am to 5pm

Saturday & Sunday by Appointment Only

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020 7183 2362

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Address

20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL