Understanding the Causes of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection primarily caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus primarily targets the liver, leading to inflammation and potential liver damage over time. If left untreated, Hepatitis C can result in chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

The primary cause of Hepatitis C is blood-to-blood contact. The virus spreads when the blood of an infected person comes into contact with the blood of someone who is not infected.

This can occur through various routes:

• Injecting drugs: Sharing needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment is one of the most common ways Hepatitis C is transmitted. Even a single use of shared needles increases the risk of infection.

• Blood transfusions or organ transplants: Before the early 1990s, when routine screening for Hepatitis C was implemented, many people were exposed to infected blood products.

• Healthcare settings: Healthcare workers are at risk of accidental needlestick injuries or exposure to blood during medical procedures.

• Non-sterile tattoos or piercings: Getting tattoos or body piercings with unsterilized equipment can also lead to infection.

Unlike Hepatitis A and B, there is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C, making prevention critical. The virus is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing food.

Chronic infection often develops when the virus remains in the liver for years, causing ongoing inflammation and gradual liver damage. Early detection and treatment are crucial to managing Hepatitis C and preventing severe complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer. At Digestive Disease Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Hepatitis C, offering the latest antiviral therapies to help manage and cure the infection.

While Hepatitis A, B, and C all affect the liver, they are caused by different viruses and have distinct transmission methods, symptoms, and treatment protocols. Understanding these differences is essential for proper management and prevention.

Hepatitis A:

• Cause: Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

• Transmission: It spreads primarily through contaminated food and water, typically in regions with poor sanitation.

• Symptoms: Hepatitis A generally causes acute illness, with symptoms like fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice. It rarely causes long-term liver damage.

• Prevention: There is a highly effective vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis A, making it preventable with vaccination.

• Treatment: Most people recover from Hepatitis A without long-term effects, and no specific antiviral treatment is required.

Hepatitis B:

• Cause: Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

• Transmission: It is primarily spread through contact with infected body fluids, including blood, semen, and vaginal fluids.

• Symptoms: It can be acute or develop into a chronic infection, leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

• Prevention: A vaccine is available for Hepatitis B.

• Treatment: Chronic Hepatitis B may require antiviral therapy to reduce the risk of liver damage.

Hepatitis C:

• Cause: Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

• Transmission: It is mainly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or receiving contaminated blood products before 1992.

• Symptoms: Hepatitis C can be asymptomatic for years, but it often leads to chronic infection and liver damage if left untreated.

• Prevention: There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C.

• Treatment: Advances in antiviral medications have made it possible to cure most cases of Hepatitis C, offering high cure rates and preventing liver damage.

At Digestive Disease Care, we specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of all forms of viral hepatitis. Whether you are dealing with Hepatitis A, B, or C, our team provides comprehensive care and the latest treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Several factors can increase your risk of contracting Hepatitis C. Understanding these risk factors is important for early detection and effective management of the virus. Here’s a breakdown of those at increased risk:

Injection Drug Use:
• Sharing needles or drug-injecting equipment is one of the most common ways Hepatitis C is spread.
• Even those who used drugs in the past or did so only once are at risk.

Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants:
• Receiving blood products or organ transplants before 1992, when routine Hepatitis C screening was implemented, increases the risk of exposure to the virus.

Healthcare Workers:
• Healthcare professionals are at a higher risk due to accidental needlestick injuries or exposure to blood.

Mother-to-Child Transmission:
• Hepatitis C can be transmitted during childbirth if the mother is infected.

Living with HIV:
• Those living with HIV are at an increased risk because both HIV and Hepatitis C share similar transmission routes.

Incarceration:
• Hepatitis C is more prevalent in correctional facilities due to shared needles or a lack of hygiene and infection control.

Long-term Hemodialysis:
• Patients on long-term dialysis are at a higher risk due to exposure to blood products during the procedure.

Tattoo and Piercing Risks:
• Getting tattoos or body piercings in non-sterile environments can increase the risk of infection.

Sexual Transmission:
• Although less common, Hepatitis C can be spread through unprotected sexual contact, especially with multiple partners or in the presence of other STIs.

If any of these risk factors apply to you, it’s important to schedule regular screening with a healthcare provider to detect Hepatitis C early. At Digestive Disease Care, we provide comprehensive screenings and personalized treatment plans to help manage and treat Hepatitis C effectively.

Preventing Hepatitis C requires understanding how the virus is transmitted and taking steps to reduce exposure. Here’s how you can protect yourself and others:

Avoid Sharing Needles:
• Never share needles, syringes, or drug-injecting equipment. If you inject drugs, use clean, sterile equipment every time.

Sterile Equipment for Tattoos and Piercings:
• Ensure that any tattoos or piercings are done in reputable facilities that follow strict sterilization procedures.

Healthcare Precautions:
• Healthcare workers should use gloves and take proper precautions when handling needles and other equipment.
• Ensure that blood products and organs are screened for Hepatitis C during medical procedures.

Personal Items:
• Never share personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers that may have microscopic traces of infected blood.

Practice Safe Sex:
• Use condoms during sexual intercourse, especially if you have multiple partners or are engaging in activities that increase the risk of blood exposure.

Prevention in Medical Settings:
• Ensure that any medical procedures, including blood transfusions, use properly screened blood and sterile equipment.

Currently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, making prevention and regular screening the most effective tools for protection. If you have any concerns or risk factors for Hepatitis C, schedule a consultation with Digestive Disease Care for early detection and personalized care.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, and understanding its causes and risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention. Dr. Alan Sandberg at Digestive Disease Care in Lake Success, NY, is dedicated to providing expert care and guidance on Hepatitis C. The primary cause of the disease is the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which spreads through contact with infected blood. Common risk factors include sharing needles, receiving blood transfusions, unprotected sex, and exposure in healthcare settings. Dr. Sandberg offers thorough screening and personalized treatment plans to manage the infection and its complications.

Dr. Sandberg’s compassionate, patient-centered approach ensures that individuals at risk for Hepatitis C receive comprehensive care. With his deep commitment to the Long Island community, he takes the time to educate patients about the importance of prevention, regular screenings, and the steps to take for effective treatment. Whether you’re concerned about risk factors or need guidance on managing Hepatitis C, Digestive Disease Care is here to support your health journey. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term liver damage, and Dr. Sandberg is here to help every step of the way. Please contact us for more information or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY, New Hyde Park NY and Riverhead NY.