According to new research, it has been revealed that people suffering from sickle cell anemia are more likely to get contracted hepatitis C.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is the infection caused in the liver that happens as a result of the HCV virus. It can be tested easily by getting the Anti-HCV Test. This usually spreads through the contraction of blood among infected people.
A lot of times, it is the used needles that can be the major reason behind the spread of hepatitis C. Other equipment used to inject blood into the body can also be responsible for hepatitis C contraction.
Another way through Hepatitis C can infect a person is through the womb. A mother while suffering from hepatitis C can give birth to a child with the same disease. Also, unprotected intercourse can also be a huge reason behind the spread of hepatitis C.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
The major symptoms and causes of hepatitis C to look out for include:
- Dark-colored urine
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Itching on the skin
- Easy bleeding
- Fluid built up in the abdomen
- The yellow coloration on the skin and eyes (jaundice)
The link between Sickle Cell Anemia and Hepatitis C
Sickle cell anemia is one of the most prevalent diseases that is inherited in nature. Now, during the treatment of sickle cell anemia, it is observed that a number of blood transfusions are performed. These blood transfusions help the patients in getting the proper treatment in time.
Now, hepatitis C on the other hand is a blood-borne disease that affects people chronically all over the world. Despite all the new technology and advancements, it must be noted that HCV testing techniques and transfusion still cause a number of infections to transfuse along with the blood.
The number of patients affected by Hepatitis C due to blood transfusion these days is still lesser than it used to be back in the days.
Sickle Cell Anemia Patients at Higher Risk
Patients with sickle cell anemia are at a higher risk of getting affected by the disease as they have to go through a number of blood transfusions in their lives. With that, they are also quite likely to get infected by this disease as they have more contacts and hospitalizations done than those who are not suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia.
Now, sickle cell anemia and hepatitis C when occur together can cause extreme damage to the liver. Diseases like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are very much likely to infect the person that is already battling Hepatitis and Sickle Cell Anemia.
The liver can be damaged more when these diseases occur and these can further turn into Hepatitis B which is extremely damaging to the body.
Hepatitis C Prevention
The Hepatitis C virus can be transmitted from one person to another through blood. Now, this doesn’t mean a large quantity of blood. Even a little amount is enough to make someone suffer from hepatitis C. The spread however can be controlled in a number of ways. These include:
Not Sharing Needles
People that are into the usage of Intravenous drugs are more likely to get infected by hepatitis C. This happens because of the shared needles. People who use drugs using their noses are also equally at risk of getting affected as nose bleeds can transfer the infected blood from one person to another easily.
Now, this doesn’t mean big drops of blood, even the tiniest of droplets can easily transfer from one person to another.
Keep Personal Care to Yourself
Items that are used on a daily basis can also cause Hepatitis C to spread. These items can include your shaving machine, the razors used that often get blood on them while you cut yourself, or even toothbrushes.
Toothbrushes can transmit the disease as sometimes the gums bleed and if used by someone else can cause hepatitis C or other infections.
Stay Away from Blood or Blood Products
If you are someone that works at the hospital or is currently working in a field where there is exposure to blood then make sure to stay away. Al the tools that are used to take out blood from the body or to inject something ion the body must be avoided in order to stay away from the transmission of hepatitis C.
Conclusion
Hepatitis C and Sickle Cell Anemia are two deadly diseases that can impact the body pretty badly. The relationship between sickle cell anemia and hepatitis C is also very easy to be understood. The more transfusions that occur, the more are the chances of you getting affected by the disease. But this can be prevented by staying away from all the ways that can increase the chances of transmission.
