Hepatitis C myths you need to know the facts

Hepatitis C is a disease that can cause severe damage to the liver and put you at risk for liver cancer if left untreated. Unfortunately, many people are confused about this disease, like who is at risk and how to treat it. It's no wonder that many hepatitis C myths are spreading.

Hepatitis C myth that needs to be known the truth

Apart from technological advances that make it easier for people to find the truth of a rumor, myths are still often believed. What's more, not a few of them believe in myths that cannot be verified, including about disease.

One of the myths that is quite popular is about hepatitis C. Believing in wrong information can certainly make people misunderstand and prevent them from getting further tests.

Here are some myths about hepatitis C that you need to know so you don't get the wrong information.

1. Can find hepatitis C easily

One of the myths of hepatitis C that is often believed is that this disease is easily recognized. The fact is not.

According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about 20-30% of hepatitis C patients develop signs and symptoms soon after infection. However, these symptoms may also be less specific, such as fever, vomiting, and feeling tired.

Generally, the hepatitis C virus is only realized after experiencing it for years. Some of them can also identify the disease through certain serological tests or have developed serious health complications, such as cirrhosis.

Therefore, hepatitis C virus infection cannot be recognized easily, so further tests are needed to determine whether it is infected or not.

2. Cured without treatment

Besides being easier to recognize, another hepatitis C myth is that people believe that this disease can heal by itself, aka without needing treatment. In fact, those who do not treat it properly are at risk of developing complications from hepatitis C.

Some of you may have heard that hepatitis C goes away on its own. In fact, just like HPV, acute hepatitis C can heal by itself if it is recognized early.

However, it is likely that the virus will survive for more than six months and is considered a chronic hepatitis C infection. So, when you have hepatitis C you should get treatment so you don't risk getting complications.

3. Vaccines for hepatitis C are readily available

Another hepatitis C myth that needs to be debunked is the availability of a vaccine to prevent this disease. In fact, until now there is no hepatitis C vaccine available.

Since 25 years ago, researchers have developed a vaccine to prevent hepatitis C and tested it in animals. Some of these vaccines being developed, especially over the past few years, are undergoing limited testing in humans.

However, keep in mind that until now a vaccine for hepatitis C has not been found because it is still in the research process. This is because the hepatitis C virus is more varied than the viruses that cause hepatitis A and B.

The hepatitis C virus occurs in at least six different genetically different forms with many subtypes. So far about 50 subtypes of hepatitis C have been identified. This condition also makes hepatitis C infection occur in various parts of the world with different variations.

Therefore, researchers are trying to create a global vaccine that can protect the body from all types of these viruses.

4. Contagious through casual contact

Apart from sexual activity, the myth that hepatitis C virus transmission is also said to be transmitted through casual contact. Some people believe that they can become infected with the virus if they shake hands, hug, or share food with hepatitis C patients.

As previously explained, HCV transmission can only occur through blood. For example, people are more likely to get hepatitis C when they share needles or other injection equipment.

If you live with a hepatitis C patient, there is no need to worry because the risk of the virus spreading in household furniture is quite small. However, it makes sense when you take some precautions, such as using a diluent when cleaning spilled blood.

5. Just attack the heart

Although most hepatitis C viruses attack the liver, it does not mean that other organs are safe from attack. This one hepatitis C myth has been debunked by research from World Journal of Gastroenterology .

The research shows that HCV also affects other organs, tissues and systems. For example, some hepatitis C patients may develop rheumatic disease or other muscle and joint problems. It can also happen long before the patient finds out that they have the virus.

Meanwhile, people with chronic hepatitis C can also develop the risk of diabetes, excessive fatigue, and skin problems. Therefore, keep in mind that hepatitis C does not only attack the liver, but risks affecting the function of other organs.

Hepatitis is a serious disease, but you don't need to worry because there are ways to treat this disease. In fact, clinical trials have shown that in most cases affecting the liver, the organs will repair themselves after the virus is gone.

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