The human liver is one of the most important organs that performs a large number of important functions to maintain the he alth of the whole organism. But, unfortunately, she is susceptible to such a serious disease as hepatitis C, the incubation period of which ranges from 4 days to six months.
Functions of Organ
The liver is a fairly massive organ, and usually weighs a little over a kilogram (in an adult).
The main functions that this body performs:
- Isolation of bile, participation in the processes of digestion.
- Active participation in metabolism.
- Cleansing the body, neutralizing poisons, fighting viruses.
It is difficult to recognize that a person has hepatitis C, the incubation period of the disease can last up to six months, and its initial stage is asymptomatic. That is why it is extremely important to diagnose and start timely treatment of this disease in time.
Stages of the disease
The first period of the disease lasts no more than a week. This is the pre-icteric period. At this time, patients note intestinal upset, colic, mood swings, sleep disturbance and rapid pulse are not uncommon.
Next, the icteric stage begins,which can take up to 3 weeks. During this period, the symptoms of the disease may intensify, often accompanied by increased fatigue, vomiting, and an enlarged spleen.
40% of hepatitis C cases, which can have an incubation period of only a few days, are detected early. This is due to the pronounced symptoms. In this case, treatment is prescribed in a timely manner, and the patient's full recovery occurs 3 months after the first signs appear. In the remaining 60%, the disease is asymptomatic, and then hepatitis C becomes chronic.
Who is affected?
Hepatitis C can be transmitted in several ways. For example, when using drugs, in salons where piercings and tattoos are done. Blood transfusion is another possible infection option.
One of the main misconceptions is that the hepatitis C virus is transmitted during sexual contact. Even in the absence of barrier contraception, the probability of infection is no more than 6%, since the main method of transmission of the virus is through the blood.
Hepatitis C, the incubation period of which can last up to 6 months, is an extremely dangerous disease that often becomes chronic. Epidemiologists have identified several groups of people who have the highest risk of the disease:
- Drug addicts.
- Who underwent organ transplants, blood transfusions.
- On hemodialysis.
- Patients with unidentified diseasesliver.
- Medical staff.
- Having multiple sexual partners.
- Who had sexual contact with an infected partner.
Hepatitis C, the incubation period of which is 4 days or more, is treatable, and half of the patients are able to completely defeat the disease. The main thing is to detect the disease in time.
How to treat hepatitis C, the doctor will tell you. There is a chance to cure even the chronic form. But this is a rather long and continuous treatment, which will require a lot of effort and time, as well as the unquestioning fulfillment of all the instructions of the attending physician.
