Hepatitis
means an
inflammation
of the
liver.
When the
inflammation
of the
liver is
due to a
specific
RNA
virus
which
leads to
chronic
inflammation,
it is
called
Hepatitis
C.
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There are several virus names as A,B,C,D,E, etc. which are known to affect the liver, producing Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, etc. In fact, this particular virus has a capacity to induce not only inflammation but scarring of the liver, which is called as cirrhosis of liver.The virus tends to multiply rapidly hence not allowing to develop natural antibodies in adequate quantity. This virus is a slow and silent destroyer of liver cell. It may so happen that one may not realize the infection for years together.
After a
prolonged
state of
inflammation
cirrhosis
may take
place,
which
may take
ten to
fifty
years.
It is a
very
slow
process,
if not
aggravated
by
certain
food
habits
and
alcohol. |
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How does
one get
Hepatitis
C?:
The
virus
spreads
through
blood or
infected
syringes.
(Similar
to
Hepatitis
A and
HIV
infection.)
Those
who are
drug
addicts
using
syringes,
frequent
blood
donors
(not
using
sterile
syringes)
are
prone to
catch
this
virus.
Tattooing
and body
piercing
could be
a source
of
infection.
Organ
transplant,
dialysis
for
kidney
failure
are
other
important
sources
of
infection.
It is
uncommon
that one
may get
this
virus
through
sexual
contact.
It is
believed
by most,
today
that
steady
partner
may not
need
physical
protection
if one
partner
is
Hepatitis
C
positive.
However,
unsafe
sex with
changing
partners
may
prove to
be a
source
of
infection.
It does
not
spread
by
touch,
saliva,
air,
food or
water.
Mother
to baby
transmission
during
the
birth is
possible.
However,
the rate
of such
transmission
is not
significantly
high |
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