B18.2

Clinical Causes: Blood-to-blood contact through sharing contaminated needles or syringes Receiving contaminated blood products or organ transplants before rigorous screening protocols Needlestick injuries in healthcare settings Less commonly, through sexual contact with an infected person From mother to child during childbirth in rare cases

Key Symptoms: Fatigue Occasional nausea or loss of appetite Muscle or joint pain Dark urine or jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right side Intermittent episodes of fever In some cases, no symptoms at all, especially in early stages

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C involves blood tests that detect the presence of hepatitis C antibodies and the hepatitis C virus itself. Additional tests may measure viral load (the amount of virus in the blood) and assess liver health, such as imaging studies or a liver biopsy, to determine the extent of liver damage or fibrosis. Regular monitoring helps in managing the condition and planning treatment strategies.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options aim to eradicate the hepatitis C virus, prevent liver damage, and improve quality of life. Recent advancements have introduced highly effective antiviral medications known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which typically lead to a cure in most cases. Treatment duration varies, but generally lasts 8 to 12 weeks. Healthcare providers may also recommend regular liver function tests and imaging to monitor disease progression. In cases with advanced liver damage, additional interventions might be necessary, including medications for complications or even liver transplantation.