If Hepatitis C is not treated in time, it can be dangerous and deadly. This virus primarily spreads through contaminated blood. It can cause serious damage to the liver. This article discusses some symptoms and prevention tips of hepatitis C.

A lot of people who have hepatitis C might not show any symptoms. However, if the virus has been in the body for about 2 weeks to 6 months, it is obvious that it would now be in the bloodstream. When that happens, one could notice a bunch of symptoms, such as:

• Stool becomes clay-colored
• Urine is darker in color
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Jaundice
• Pain in the joints
• Nausea
• Not feeling hungry
• Vomiting
• Stomach ache

In most cases, the symptoms will last for anywhere between two to twelve weeks. With the aggravation and the spread of the virus, several acute symptoms might be seen. These include:

• Gallstones
• Certain fluid buildup in the legs or abdominal cavity
• The brain is unable to function as well as it used to
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Kidney failure
• Loss of muscle
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• The appearance of spider-like shape on the surface of the skin
• Inability to concentrate
• Memory issues
• Intense itching

In most people, the hepatitis C virus initiates with the acute phase. However, since there are no symptoms as such in the acute stage, it goes undiagnosed. It is never certain whether the acute stage would turn into the chronic stage or not. There have been cases when the virus is automatically cleared from the body after the acute stage. It is called spontaneous viral clearance. Approximately 15-25% of people with acute Hepatitis C experienced this automatic clearance of the virus. Antiviral therapy is used to cure the virus in the acute stage.

Prevention tips
There are some preventative measures that one can take to keep themselves prevented from the virus. These include:

Staying away from illicit drugs: If one has ever injected illicit drugs in their body, it is best to undergo tests for the hepatitis C examination.

Be cautious when getting tattoos or piercings: Whenever one decides on getting a tattoo or a body piercing, always get it from a shop that has good reviews. Moreover, ask them the requisite questions, such as how often do they clean the equipment. Always ensure that the needle used for piercing or tattoos is sterile.

Always practice safe sex: Do not ever engage in any form of unprotected sex, especially with somebody unknown or with more than one partner.

Hygiene: Don’t share razors, syringes, or needles with any person, even one’s friend.

Vaccinations: Though at present, there isn’t any definite vaccination available for Hepatitis C, the doctor will recommend a person to get vaccinated for hepatitis B and hepatitis A. Though these are three different viruses, but if one suffers from either of the two viruses at a time, they can complicate and deteriorate one’s condition.