The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has recently released a set of guidelines for hepatitis C urging specific groups to get tested for to protect themselves and the broader community. Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus, which can range from a short-term illness to a serious, chronic condition. Alarmingly, around 80% of those infected show no symptoms, making testing crucial for early detection and treatment.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C can be either acute, with few symptoms, or chronic, potentially leading to severe liver issues over time. Common symptoms, if they appear, include loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, fever, itching, fatigue, pain on the right side of the abdomen, pale-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
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How Does Hepatitis Spread?
- Hepatitis C is primarily spread through:
- Sharing contaminated needles or syringes
- Contact with infected blood
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person
- Tattooing or piercing with unsterilized equipment
- Childbirth, if the mother is infected
It is important to note that Hepatitis C does not spread through casual social interactions like holding hands, sharing glasses, kissing, or coughing and sneezing.
Hepatitis C Vaccine?
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C. However, preventive measures include:
- Wearing gloves when handling blood
- Avoiding sharing personal items like toothbrushes or razors
- Never sharing needles or syringes
- Ensuring protected sexual contact
- Getting tested regularly, especially if you fall into a high-risk category
Complications of Untreated Hepatitis C
Without proper treatment, Hepatitis C can lead to severe liver complications, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Who Should Get Tested?
The DHA recommends that the following groups get tested for Hepatitis C:
- Individuals who have had contact with someone infected with Hepatitis C, especially household members
- Patients requiring frequent blood transfusions, such as those with Thalassemia or Sickle Cell Anemia
- Patients undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis
- Individuals who received blood transfusions or underwent major surgeries before 1990
- Those with elevated liver enzymes of unknown origin
- Current and former drug addicts
- Prison inmates
Important Points to Remember
Hepatitis C can only be diagnosed through a blood test in a healthcare setting.
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While there is no vaccine, the virus is treatable and can often be cured with antiviral medications, effective in up to 95% of cases.
Even if you’ve been treated for Hepatitis C, you can be reinfected. Awareness of risk factors and preventive measures is crucial. As Dubai observed World Hepatitis Day on July 28, the DHA emphasized the importance of testing and treatment. Understanding how to prevent the recurrence of Hepatitis C is vital for personal and public health. If you fall into any of the high-risk groups, make sure to get tested and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.
