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All About Hepatitis C: Get Educated before your Hepatitis C Test
by Marissa Lynch
Take charge of your sexual health with STDClinic’s discreet Hepatitis C test. Read on to learn more about HCV symptoms, private Hepatitis C testing, and treatment
Hepatitis C Overview
Unlike milder hepatitis infections, Hepatitis C, or HCV, is likely to lead to long-lasting internal damage. Get screened for Hepatitis C on STCClinic.com to be sure you’re virus free.
The word ‘hepatitis’ comes from the Greek words ‘hêpar,’ liver and ‘itis,’ inflammation. There are a few varieties of Hepatitis, including A, B, and C. Hepatitis C spreads via blood-to-blood contact.
An estimated 2% of the world population is infected with HCV, and some 399,000 infected people died of the disease in 2016. There’s currently no vaccine to prevent HCV infections, but treatment is possible for those who have contracted the virus.
Unlike Hepatitis A or B, Hepatitis C often remains in the bloodstream for up to 85% of affected individuals. It can pave the way for chronic symptoms that, eventually, cause irreparable liver damages and even cancers.
How do you contract Hepatitis C?
Unlike other Hepatitic viruses, Hepatitis C tranfers through blood, and not neccesarily through sex. Healthy people get infected when the infected blood enters their bloodstream.
Some ways to get infected:
Sharing needles during intravenous drug use (IDU) is the highest cause of HCV
Unsanitary tattooing and piercing
Poorly managed blood transfusions and dialysis
Housing spaces with infected persons can expose you to contaminated blood
Anal sex with affected persons typically tears the skin of both parties; thus, leading to infections
Having menstrual sex with an infected woman puts you in direct contact with the contagion
Additionally, if you received a blood transfusion before 1992, you may be living with chronic HPV. Get tested for HCV on STDClinic.com’s easy online system today.
Symptoms
Most people infected with HCV don’t show symptoms for up to 12 weeks from initial infection
No matter the severity of symptoms, HCV is considered acute if the symptoms show up within six months. At this stage, the infected person is likely to feel mild symptoms. Often, the infection will clear up on its own.
In chronic cases of HCV, typically around 6 months after infection, your body will start to develop severe to terminal liver damages
Symptoms of acute HCV include:
Fatigue
Fever
Vomiting
Joint pain
Pelvic discomfort
Loss of appetite
Sudden weight loss
Jaundice
Dark urine
Light excreta
Symptoms of chronic HCV include:
Memory loss
Confusion and disorientation
Persistent brain fog
Poor coordination skills
Depression and anxiety
Itchy feeling all over the skin
Sharp pain in the abdomen
Bloating and digestive discomforts
When left undiagnosed, the Hepatitis C virus can damage your body. In the worst-case scenario, it leads to complications like malnutrition, liver cirrhosis, or cancer.
When to Check
Pregnant people are encouraged to test for Hepatitis C as part of their pregnancy plan. Those with high-risk sexual lifestyles and occupations- such as medical and aid workers-- are also encouraged to get regularly tested for HCV.
NOTE: If you suspect you may have an STI, it is highly recommended that you stop having sex until you’ve recieved medical advice. Doing so ensures you and any potential partners lessen the risk of spreading disease.
Preparation for Testing
The Hepatitis C test is a standard blood test, and doesn’t require any special preparation before testing.
1. Schedule
Select and order your test online. You'll receive an order confirmation with all the information you need to take your blood test.
2. Get Tested
Go to the clinic nearest you and take your blood test. Be sure to bring the confirmation email with you to the clinic!
3. Results
Receive your results on STDClinic.com
Know Your Treatments
There is not yet a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C, though widespread infections make HCV a global health issue. There are treatments for the infection once diagnosed. Speak to your doctor about the method of preventative care and treatment that is best for you.
To learn more, speak to your doctor to get personalized information about your diagnosis. With your STDClinic.com test results, you’re one step closer to making informed decisions about your sexual health.
Be sure to retest one month after starting treatment to be sure you are free of the infection. You and your partner are recommended not to engage in sexual relations until you’ve finished your prescription.
Take control of your sexual health. Buy your Chlamydia test on STDClinic today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an STD?
An STD, or sexually transmitted disease, is an infection that is primarily transmitted through sexual fluids during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sometimes, STDs are referred to as “venereal diseases.” Many STDs can be cured when they are properly diagnosed. Get tested for STDs at STDClinic.com.
How can I know if I have an STD?
Since some STDs are asymptomatic, the only way to really know if you have an STD is to get tested. Order your STD test online here.
How does STDClinic.com work?
STDClinic makes it easy to get discreet, fast STD blood and urine test results. First, select and purchase the test you want. Then, download your proof of purchase form- also called a “requisition form”- and bring it to the clinic. Take your test at the clinic nearest you. Afterwards, see your results online.
Is Hepatitis an STD?
There are different types of Hepatitis, and they can be spread in different ways. Because they can be contracted through sexual contact, Hepatitis can be considered an STD.
