Hepatitis C : The Silent Epidemic Essay -- Health Medical Medicine Ess

Hepatitis C The soundless EpidemicIntroductionDid you know that over two hundred billion people argon infected with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)? Unfortunately it is true, and 20 five thousand more are infected each year. expose of these victims, three are acquaintances of mine. They are why I chose to research this tacit Epidemic. In this paper you will not only learn to the highest degree the virus itself, but also shipway to recognize and prevent it. The conclusion of this is to prevent the further spread of this disease, and furthermore to make you sensitive of your options if infected.StatisticsHepatitis C affects approximately 1.8% of the population in the U.S. This accounts for nearly 4 million people. And this make sense is only growing. It has been estimated that twenty five to thirty five thousand saucily cases are diagnosed each year. What is the Hepatitis C Virus?As you already know, the cells in the body respond to infection in many ways. One of these ways is inflammation. Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver.How ever so, it does not affect the whole liver at once. The silent epidemic sneaks up slowly by causing aggrieve to individual liver cells. This means, HCV progresses slowly over many years.How do you cling Hepatitis C in that respect are many chance factors that whitethorn flatus to the spread the Hepatitis C Virus. In many cases symptoms are not subgross until ten or even twenty years after the infection. Since treatments are based on the degree of infection, it is important to find this virus as soon as possible. Are you at risk? Ask yourself the future(a) questions to find out1.) Have you received a blood transfusion prior to 1992?2.) Have you had any solid organ transplants, such as your heart, liver, or kidney?3.) Are you on long-term kidney dialysis?4.) Are you a piece of the healthcare field, in which you have had exposure to blood?5.) Have you ever use recreational drugs? (Needles? Cocaine Straws?)6.) Have you ever had high risk sex? (Anal? Multiple Partners?)7.) Do you have a tattoo or body piercing? 8.) Do you live with, or have firm contact with an infected person? If so, do you share nail clippers, razors, or toothbrushes?If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you are at a risk for having Hepatitis C. So now what can you do?Diagnosing Hepatitis CIf you feel you may have been exposed t... ...RibavirinRibavirin is a pad of paper which is used along with alpha-interferon. It has been proven that this pill helps the alpha-interferon to work better. Patients who choose to imbibe this pill are prescribed several pills a day. These pills must be take everyday along with regular alpha-interferon injections to positively affect the body.Goals of treatmentThere are two basic goals of HCV treatment. The first goal is to have a sustained virologic response. This means that the virus will remain at an senseless in the blood for six or more months after treatment. The bit goa l is an improved histologic response. An example of this is the decrease of liver inflammation, and the reducing of scarring of the liver.ConclusionHepatitis C is a silent epidemic. There is no vaccination, and no cure. The only way to prevent the spread of this disease is to be aware of your surroundings, and practice a clean way of living. Although there is treatment for Hepatitis C, it is a painful disease in its later stages. If you feel you have been exposed, please, do not hesitate to have yourself tested. The Hepatitis C Virus is, and will remain, a threat to your life.