First things first, hepatitis C is a disease that attacks the liver. Although there are approximately 2.7 million people in the U.S. living with hepatitis C, the disease itself can be difficult to detect because most people are unaware of the symptoms associated with it. Plus, the disease can take months and even years to show up in one’s bloodstream. In fact, 80 percent of individuals with a less severe form of hepatitis C had no visible symptoms, but some of the warning signs include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Joint or muscle pain
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine
Types of Hepatitis C
It’s important to point out that two main types of hepatitis C exist: acute hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis C. For acute hepatitis C, the symptoms only last six months or less, but it can lead to chronic hepatitis C, which is a lifelong issue. The good news is that testing for the disease is actually quite simple – a quick blood test can determine whether you have hepatitis C.
Treatment
When it comes to treating hepatitis C, medication is normally prescribed – ribavirin and interferon to be exact, but that combination doesn’t always agree with everyone. Work closely with your doctor to find a treatment plan that best suits you and your lifestyle.
