Anti-HCV Test Explained: Detecting Hepatitis C Infection Early
Viral hepatitis remains a significant public health concern. Hepatitis C is a liver inflammation that can cause serious damage to the liver. It occurs due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection may be acute or chronic, and many individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms in early stages. The range of severity may differ from mild to a serious one, with complications including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Hepatitis C largely occurs due to exposure to infected blood. Common causes include unsafe injection practices, transfusion of unscreened blood or blood products, and sharing needles and syringes among people who inject drugs. The virus may also spread from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Certain sexual practices involving blood exposure may also raise the risk of transmission. In addition, getting tattoos or body piercings with unsterilised equipment, or sharing personal items such as razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers contaminate...