The early warning signs of hepatitis C can be very helpful in detecting hepatitis C. Once detected, it can be treated to prevent complications. The article looks at treatment options for the disease along with measures that can be taken to prevent infection.

Symptoms of hep C that are often overlooked
The early warning signs of hepatitis C are very important as they can help to detect and diagnose this disease. Since the disease does not show any symptoms in the initial stages, it is difficult to diagnose. Those at risk of developing this disease must watch out for these initial signs.

The key early signs of hepatitis C are being tired and exhausted. Developing fever with high temperatures and feeling ill continuously. Stomach cramps, muscle pain, and easily bleeding are other early signs of the disease. Rashes and itching, yellowing of the skin, passing dark-colored urine, swelling of abdomen and legs are signs of this disease that indicate that the disease is progressing fast. However, aside from the obvious symptoms, there are a few that are largely overlooked, such as:

• Unusual abdominal pain
• Feeling full very quickly after eating very little
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Edema (or swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles
• Blotchy skin
• Itchy skin

If any of these symptoms are present, is important to immediately see a doctor. A doctor can diagnose the disease through blood tests and imaging tests.

Treatment of hepatitis C
Since the disease is caused by a virus, antiviral medications are prescribed to remove the virus. Treatment is followed by regular tests to verify if the virus has been eliminated from the body.

There are medicines today that are more effective in treating this disease. There are different types of hepatitis C. Medication is prescribed based on the type. It may take 8 to 24 weeks to complete the treatment.

In case the disease has advanced to a higher level, it can damage the liver. At that stage, the only option is to get a liver transplant done. A liver transplant ensures that the damaged liver is replaced. This must be accompanied with medication to prevent the infection from recurring.

Preventing hepatitis C
There is no sure-fire way of preventing hepatitis C. Observing certain precautions can greatly reduce the risk of being infected. Some of the precautions to take are listed below.

• While there is no vaccination for hepatitis C, getting vaccinations for hepatitis A and B is strongly advised for those who are at risk of contracting the disease.
• Sharing needles or handling needles without gloves should be avoided.
• It is important to practice safe sex and avoid multiple partners to reduce the risk of being infected.
• It is strongly advised to avoid getting tattoos and body piercings. However, if one does wish to get a tattoo, it is essential to make sure that the equipment is clean and sanitized.
• Sharing personal care items like toothbrushes, nail clippers, shaving brushes, and razors should be avoided.
• Regular health checkups (at least once in a year or two years) with ultrasound scanning of liver and liver function blood tests can help spot the disease early.

This article lists out the early warning signs of hepatitis C to help identify the disease and ensure on-time treatment. The precautions listed can be followed to prevent being infected by the virus.