Hepatitis C is a condition that leads to inflammation in the liver. If left untreated, it can cause serious complications like liver failure, liver cancer, and cirrhosis. About 1 in 50 people in the country have this disease. Despite being so common, there are lots of myths and misconceptions associated with hepatitis C. Read on to know the myths and truths about hepatitis C.

1. Myth – Hepatitis C spreads through casual contact
Hepatitis C cannot be contracted by touching, kissing, or hugging someone. The disease also does not spread through sneezing or coughing. It is completely okay to live in the same house, share your food, or use the same utensils with hepatitis C patients. The risk of getting this disease through unprotected sex is low but not inevitable. The virus primarily spreads through blood. So, avoid sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, and nail clippers with hepatitis C patients.

2. Myth – Hepatitis C is not curable
Early treatment and medications like direct-acting antivirals can eliminate the virus from the bloodstream. Currently, there are seven different types of these antiviral medications. On suspecting hepatitis C, one should consult the doctor. The doctor will run some tests to confirm the diagnosis. Since early treatment can help in the complete cure of the virus, it is important that a hepatitis C patient seek medical help at the earliest. There are no approved vaccines for hepatitis C, unlike hepatitis A and B. If you have hepatitis C, the doctor may also vaccinate you for hepatitis A and B.

3. Myth – Hepatitis C symptoms show immediately
Hepatitis C is a silent disease. Few people realize that they contracted this disease. Sometimes the symptoms may not show for 20 to 30 years. The signs, if they do appear, include jaundice, nausea, and muscle aches. one may also lose their appetite and be susceptible to bruising easily. In some cases, the abdomen may release a fluid called ascites. The longer the virus lives in the body, the more harmful it is. According to the CDC, more than half of chronic hepatitis C patients are at risk of developing liver disease or liver cancer.

4. Myth – Hepatitis C affects only the liver
It is true that hepatitis C mainly affects the liver; however, it is not the only organ at risk. According to the American College of Rheumatology, patients can develop hepatitis C-associated rheumatic problems that affect the muscles and joints. Some may also develop diabetes, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and skin conditions. Baby boomers, that is, those born between 1945 and 1965, are likely to get hepatitis C since blood screening methods were not as good as today. Patients who have HIV, liver problems, or had a blood transfusion before 1992 should get themselves screened for hepatitis C.