Hepatitis C (HCV) is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it can reside in your body for years, quietly damaging your liver while showing little to no symptoms. This stealthy virus affects millions of people worldwide, and alarmingly, many are unaware they are even infected. Could you be one of them?

What Is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that targets the liver, causing inflammation and damage over time. It is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, with common causes including:

- Sharing needles or syringes.

- Receiving a blood transfusion before 1992.

- Non-sterile tattoo or piercing equipment.

- Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes.

Hepatitis C progresses in two stages: an acute phase, which lasts up to six months, and a chronic phase, which can persist for decades. The chronic stage is where the most damage occurs, often without warning signs until it's too late.

Why Is Hepatitis C So Dangerous?

The danger of hepatitis C lies in its ability to go unnoticed. Around 75%–85% of those infected develop chronic hepatitis C, which can lead to severe complications, including:

- Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver impairs its ability to function properly.

- Liver Cancer: Chronic HCV significantly increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

- Liver Failure: Severe damage can result in the liver being unable to perform vital tasks, leading to life-threatening conditions.

Who Is at Risk?

Hepatitis C can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your risk:

- Born between 1945 and 1965 (baby boomers are five times more likely to have HCV).

- Past or current injection drug use.

- Receiving medical care in countries with inadequate sterilization practices.

- Having received an organ transplant or blood products before widespread screening began in the early 1990s.

Even if you don’t fall into these categories, it's important to be aware that the virus doesn’t discriminate.

Testing Is Key

The only way to know if you have hepatitis C is through a blood test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults get tested at least once in their lifetime, with regular screenings for those at higher risk.

Early detection is crucial for preventing severe liver damage. With today’s advanced treatments, hepatitis C is curable in over 95% of cases. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications can eliminate the virus, stopping its progression and giving your liver a chance to heal.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The stealthy nature of hepatitis C makes it easy to ignore, but the consequences of leaving it untreated can be devastating. If you’ve never been tested or suspect you may have been exposed, don’t wait. Take action to protect your health and ensure hepatitis C doesn’t remain the silent killer hiding in your body.

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AI-Assisted Content Disclaimer

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by a human for accuracy and clarity.