City of Buenos Aires (AND digital) Hepatitis is a liver infection that is considered a silent epidemic in the world, this is because its progression may be asymptomatic until the advanced stage of the disease.
As a result, many people disagree with the diagnosis, delaying timely treatment that could prevent the spread of the virus.
There are about 58 million hepatitis C virus-infected people in the world, including 300,000 people in my country. However, according to the Argentine Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AAEEH), 70% of those infected in our country are unaware of their condition.
“Although treatment is free in Argentina, many people are diagnosed late, which hinders the cure of the disease. If diagnosed early, 95% of cases can be cured, which emphasizes the importance of prevention and disease information,” said the doctor. Miguel PedrolaScientific Director, Latin America and the Caribbean, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, unlike hepatitis B, which is part of a national vaccination calendar that has been mandatory since 2000. However, there is a shorter treatment period, 8 to 12 weeks, that controls and eliminates the infection in the vast majority of cases. Therefore, if infection with the virus is suspected, testing must be done to confirm a positive or negative diagnosis.
“The hepatitis C virus can be transmitted through blood and sexual contact, so the use of condoms and latex cloths during all types of sexual relations is the main way to prevent infection,” the expert said.
Also, it’s important to avoid sharing syringes, needles, and other sharp objects; nor should you share toothbrushes, sex toys, or menstrual hygiene products. Before surgical intervention or tattooing, it is essential to ensure that the instruments are sterilized.
Fortunately, there is a quick and easy test to detect the virus that involves pricking a finger and drawing minimal blood. If you think you have been exposed to HCV for any reason, get tested right away. This is the only way to eliminate the HCV. (AND digital)