Hepatitis C is an infection with the hepatitis C virus. It causes liver to swell which affects its functioning. Hepatitis C spreads by using infected, dirty needles or through blood transfusion. The virus remains dormant in the liver to cause chronic inflammation. Once infected with hepatitis C virus many may not show any sign of infection. Sometimes people get infected with hepatitis C and would not even know for years. There are two main kinds of hepatitis, acute and chronic hepatitis. When a person's liver gets inflamed suddenly it is called acute and when the inflammation doesn't leave you, it is called chronic hepatitis.

Other than using IV drugs or getting stuck with dirty needles, hepatitis C virus can also spread by direct contact with blood of an infected person, by sharing toothbrushes, razors, tattoo needles and even from mother to the unborn child. It is also a sexually transmitted disease. One has to get oneself examined as this virus can lead to cirrhosis (a liver disease) and liver cancer. One of the important reasons for this infection to flourish is by sharing dirty or infected needles.

Common Myths about Hepatitis C

It cannot be transmitted by sneezing, coughing, shaking hands, hugging, kissing, sharing utensils, swimming in public swimming pool, using common toilets or touching doorknobs.

Possible Symptoms

Even though there aren't any common symptoms we can include some possible symptoms which may pinpoint us towards hepatitis C problem. These possible symptoms are fatigue, losing weight, loss of hunger, joint pains, nausea, anxiety, pain in liver area, flu-symptoms like fever, headache and sweats.

Simple Preventive Measures

There are no home remedies available for this condition. But you can prevent this by following some simple instructions. Avoid sharing needles with any one. If donating blood ask for a fresh needle, opened right in front of you. Have a healthy way of living by including a good diet and exercise routine. Control your alcohol intake to prevent further damage of your liver. Practice safe sex by using condom. Get routine check-up to avoid any complications. By the much needed blood tests one can find out about hepatitis C in an early stage. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B to prevent further problems.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.