World Hepatitis Day: Know about causes, symptoms and risk factors

chronic hepatitis C! Often termed a silent killer, hepatitis C is an acute inflammation of the liver caused by this virus. If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause severe liver damage. In extreme cases, the virus can also lead to liver cancer. July 28 is reserved to promote awareness of this insidious and deadly virus.

What Is Hepatitis C Virus?

Also known as Hep C virus, hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus.

What Causes Hep C Infection?

Most infections are caused by unscreened blood transfusions, drug use, and sexual intercourse. Other causes include:

Immune cells of our body attacking the liver. Long-term liver damage due to alcohol or drug abuse. Overdose of medical drugs such as acetaminophen. Fatty liver. How Deadly Is Hepatitis C?

According to a report by World Health Organization, about 290K people died from hepatitis C in 2019. Moreover, there is no effective vaccine against the Hepatitis C virus.

Hep C Virus Redflags A painful or bloated stomach. Dark urine. Chronically painful urination is also a big red flag. Fever or fatigue. Jaundice. Watch out for yellowing skin and eyes. Unexpected weight loss. Nausea does not go away even with medications. Skin itching. Blood in stools. Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites). Read more on economictimes.indiatimes.com