Are you wondering what happens to your body when you have hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily targets your liver, wreaking havoc on its ability to perform crucial functions. While some individuals may not exhibit symptoms, others may experience fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Long-term effects can include liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer.

The Initial Phase: Acute Hepatitis C

What Is Acute Hepatitis C?

Acute Hepatitis C refers to the initial stage of the infection. During this time, you might not even know you have the virus, as symptoms can be mild or completely absent.

How Does It Affect Your Body?

In the acute phase, the virus starts to multiply inside your liver cells. This triggers your immune system to fight off the infection, which in turn causes inflammation in your liver. You might feel generally unwell, but the symptoms often go unnoticed.

The Silent Phase: Chronic Hepatitis C

Transition from Acute to Chronic

After the acute phase, if the infection isn’t cleared from your body, you enter the chronic phase. This is a more severe and long-lasting stage of the disease.

Long-Term Implications

When Hepatitis C becomes chronic, your liver remains in a state of constant inflammation. Over time, this can result in severe damage like fibrosis (scarring of the liver tissue) or cirrhosis (extensive scarring). In severe cases, this can escalate to liver cancer.

Physical Symptoms to Watch Out For

Fatigue and Weakness

A common complaint is extreme fatigue. Your body is working overtime to combat the virus, which can leave you feeling drained.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice, is another indicator. This happens because your liver can’t process bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown.

Abdominal Pain

Discomfort or pain in the abdomen is also frequent. This is due to the inflammation and potential swelling of your liver.

Digestive Problems

Additionally, you might experience issues like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Your liver plays a vital role in digestion, so when it’s compromised, your digestive system suffers too.

Psychological and Cognitive Effects

“Brain Fog”

Some people with Hepatitis C report experiencing cognitive issues like memory loss or difficulty concentrating, often referred to as “brain fog.”

Anxiety and Depression

The diagnosis and symptoms can also take a toll on your mental health. Feelings of anxiety and depression are not uncommon.

Neurological Damage and Risk of Stroke

Neurological Damage

The virus can also have an impact on your nervous system. Symptoms can range from tingling and numbness in your extremities to more severe conditions like peripheral neuropathy.

Increased Risk of Stroke

Moreover, research indicates that Hepatitis C can increase your risk of stroke, although the exact link is still under study.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have been exposed to risk factors, it’s essential to speak to your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. That’s because early detection can make a significant difference in managing the condition and mitigating long-term damage to your liver.

Treatments and Prevention

Antiviral Medications

Advancements in medical research have led to the development of antiviral medications that can effectively treat Hepatitis C.

Lifestyle Changes

Adjusting your diet and avoiding alcohol can also contribute to better liver health. Exercise is another beneficial addition to your routine.

The Importance of Vaccination and Screening

Unlike Hepatitis A and B, there’s no vaccine for Hepatitis C yet. However, regular screening, especially for high-risk individuals, is crucial. This helps in early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of severe liver damage.

So, if you think you’re at risk or are showing symptoms, don’t hesitate to get screened. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your health.