Hepatitis C Vaccine

The Hepatitis C Vaccine is designed to combat Hepatitis C, a type of liver disease caused by the HCV virus. The Hepatitis C virus can cause chronic infection in the liver, potentially leading to permanent and life-threatening effects on the body. Millions of people around the world are infected with Hepatitis C, with nearly 1 million individuals in our country alone. Although this disease is currently treatable, it often becomes chronic due to late diagnosis in many cases. If diagnosed early without leading to other complications, complete recovery can be achieved.

What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C may not show immediate effects after the HCV virus infection. In the following processes, it gradually manifests with various symptoms. The Hepatitis C virus causes symptoms depending on the acute and chronic diseases it can cause in the body. An individual infected with the Hepatitis C virus typically exhibits the following symptoms in the acute phase:

• Muscle aches and fever
• Jaundice, although rare
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Chronic fatigue

The mild symptoms seen initially in someone infected with HCV can progress to chronic and severe liver diseases. Therefore, these mild symptoms should be carefully monitored to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. Individuals may continue to experience mild symptoms for several years after being infected with the Hepatitis C virus. The virus can lead to serious liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, years later.

What Causes Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is an infection that leads to liver damage when HCV infects the human body and settles in the liver. This disease, which becomes chronic in many individuals, may be diagnosed late due to the late recognition of liver symptoms and the generally mild symptoms that accompany a prolonged incubation and disease process.

The following factors contribute to the occurrence of Hepatitis C infection and the progression of the disease after the virus enters the human body:

• Once the Hepatitis C virus settles in the liver, a type of immune response begins to develop in the body. This is a defense mechanism. However, since the immune system cannot cope with HCV alone, the body is unable to tolerate the infection.
• The proliferation of the virus in the body is referred to as "viral load." The more the virus multiplies in the body, the more the infection progresses, and the severity of potential damage to the liver increases.
• Like many types of viruses, Hepatitis C virus has various mutated genotypes. Some genotypes respond more quickly to treatment, while others may respond more slowly.
• If an individual infected with Hepatitis C has another infection affecting the liver (such as Hepatitis B or HIV), it may lead to faster progression of Hepatitis C disease.

Early diagnosis is of great importance in reducing the damage of the Hepatitis C virus to the body and stopping the progression of the disease. In addition, treatment methods should be applied carefully, and regular doctor check-ups should be conducted.

How is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?

The Hepatitis C virus can currently be easily diagnosed using two types of tests. When visiting any healthcare facility, a diagnosis can be obtained through a PCR test or an antibody test via blood. While the time for test results to be announced varies, results can usually be obtained in as short as two weeks.

In addition, although not directly related to Hepatitis C, your specialist doctor may request some liver function tests to determine any liver damage caused by the infection and the severity of the disease.

While treatment for Hepatitis C is currently possible, treatment methods are increasing with new medical technologies. This has also shortened the duration of treatment. The primary goal of Hepatitis C treatment is to prevent liver damage before the infection becomes chronic and to completely eliminate the virus from the body by reducing the viral load.

How Does Hepatitis C Resolve?

Treatment is personalized based on the level of disease progression (liver damage level) and the type of virus (genotype). Hepatitis C treatment, which has a high tolerance level, is typically conducted in combination with antiviral medications. After treatment, long-term follow-up is essential due to the risk of reinfection. Additionally, preventive measures should be taken during treatment to minimize the risk of infection.

In Hepatitis C treatment, a medium-term treatment plan (8-12 weeks) is usually implemented. Currently, FDA-approved direct-acting antiviral medications are actively used as the most up-to-date and effective method. To prevent the infection from becoming chronic, this treatment plan should be implemented as early as possible.

In the treatment of Hepatitis C, if there is any liver damage caused by the virus, appropriate treatment may be provided, and organ transplantation may be necessary in certain cases.

Hepatitis C Infectiousness

The Hepatitis C virus is transmitted through blood and body fluids. The risk of sexual transmission is quite low; however, it can be transmitted through bleeding that may occur during intercourse. Kissing, hugging, and sharing food from the same plate with a Hepatitis C patient do not pose a risk of virus transmission.

Hepatitis C cannot be transmitted through animal bites, such as mosquito bites. Additionally, a mother infected with Hepatitis C can breastfeed her baby. However, in cases that cause bleeding in the breast or when the infection load is high, the mother should temporarily stop breastfeeding under medical supervision.

The Hepatitis C virus is most commonly transmitted through the following means:

• Incomplete sterilization during dental treatments,
• Multiple uses of products that enter the bloodstream, such as injection needles in hospitals,
• Non-sterile materials used during tattooing,
• Non-sterile cosmetic materials that carry a risk of bleeding, such as those used in manicures and pedicures,
• Transplantation of an organ infected with the Hepatitis C virus,
• The use of blood and blood products prepared for medical operations without proper infection risk management,
• Using personal hygiene products of someone infected with the Hepatitis C virus (such as nail clippers, toothbrushes, razors),
• Use of a hemodialysis machine when there are sterilization deficiencies.

Hepatitis C Vaccine

The Hepatitis C virus is still diagnosed in millions of people today. There is currently no Hepatitis C vaccine approved by all health authorities that has been produced to prevent infection by the virus in any way. Therefore, individuals and organizations must take care to prevent the risk of infection. To minimize the risk of Hepatitis C transmission, you can pay attention to the following points:

• Syringes in healthcare facilities must be clean and single-use.
• Caution should be exercised during sexual intercourse. Condoms should be used for healthy sexual relations. Regular blood tests can be conducted for diseases that can be transmitted sexually.
• Personal items should not be shared with anyone to protect against blood and body fluids.
• Individuals living in dormitories or shared housing should adhere to hygiene rules.
• Necessary checks should be conducted to ensure safety during blood and organ donation.
• While there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B can indirectly help with protection.

Today, millions of people are infected with the Hepatitis C virus. Although diagnosis and treatment are possible, this disease can lead to many permanent damages if it progresses. Therefore, if you have not previously undergone a Hepatitis C test, you can get tested at our hospital and consult with our specialist doctors. You can take the necessary individual precautions to protect yourself from Hepatitis C.