What causes hepatitis C?

Generally speaking, hepatitis C refers to hepatitis C viral infection. The causes of hepatitis C viral infection include low immunity, sexual transmission, mother-to-child transmission, blood transmission, and medical procedures. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Low Immunity

Long-term use of immunosuppressive agents, having autoimmune diseases, or being infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can lead to weakened immune system function. In such cases, the body's resistance to hepatitis C virus (HCV) decreases, making infection more likely even with minimal viral exposure. It is recommended to actively treat underlying diseases, adjust immunosuppressant dosages, or manage autoimmune diseases to improve immunity. Nutritional support should be enhanced during treatment, and appropriate physical exercise should be performed to strengthen physical health.

2. Sexual Transmission

HCV can enter the body through mucosal injuries in the genital area during unprotected sex with an infected individual. Infected individuals may experience symptoms such as fatigue, low fever, or dull pain in the liver region. Some may not exhibit obvious symptoms and may only be found to have abnormal liver function or positive hepatitis C antibodies during a medical examination. After diagnosis, direct-acting antiviral drugs are used for treatment, including sofosbuvir tablets, chloroprevir hydrochloride capsules, ribavirin injection, and others, under the guidance of a physician.

3. Mother-to-Child Transmission

A mother infected with HCV may transmit the virus to her infant during delivery through the placenta, birth canal, or breastfeeding. Infected newborns may develop abnormal liver function within a few months and may later experience developmental problems such as failure to gain weight or delayed resolution of jaundice. Because infants' bodies are not fully developed, treatment must be cautious. Typically, when the child is between 1 and 3 years old, a specialist will assess whether antiviral therapy should be initiated based on liver function and viral load. During this time, the child's growth, development, and liver function should be closely monitored.

4. Blood Transmission

Receiving blood or blood products contaminated with HCV, or sharing sharp instruments such as syringes, needles, or razors contaminated with the virus, can all lead to HCV infection. The incubation period after infection is generally 2–26 weeks. After the incubation period, symptoms similar to those of viral infection may appear, such as fatigue, liver pain, and abnormal liver function. Once diagnosed, direct-acting antiviral drugs are used for treatment. Additionally, contact with contaminated blood products or shared sharp instruments should be avoided to prevent reinfection.

5. Medical Procedures

Unsafe medical practices, such as using surgical instruments or injection equipment that have not been sterilized, can also transmit HCV. The HCV virus may remain on inadequately disinfected medical equipment and be transmitted to new patients upon reuse. Initial infection may not cause obvious symptoms, but as the disease progresses, symptoms such as fatigue and loss of appetite may appear. It is recommended to strictly follow medical protocols, ensure thorough disinfection of all medical devices, and provide direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drug treatment to infected individuals.

Hepatitis C has many causes. The key to prevention lies in strengthening health education, raising public awareness and protective measures against hepatitis C, and enhancing regulation and standardized practices in healthcare institutions. For individuals already infected with HCV, early standardized treatment should be initiated to achieve viral clearance and disease control.