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Singer Natalie Cole is battling Hepatitis C. The viral infection afflicts millions all over the world, of which 15 million are Indian. iTALK tells you how to stay clear

Actress Pamela Anderson had contracted Hepatitis C

Imagine a virus lurking in your body for 30 years, without you knowing. After years of being infected, you may develop signs of jaundice and abdominal pain, that you may link to something else. Only a medical test can reveal if you suffer from Hepatitis C. It sounds like strange fiction, but it's a reality 15 million Indians are living with.

It's a silent killer

The Hepatitis C strain was discovered in the 1970s. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) lies dormant in the body for decades, without throwing up symptoms.

The virus is caused from contact with infected blood. It results in an inflammation of the liver and could be contracted through blood transfusions, tattooing, intravenous drug use and body piercing. The infection is a silent killer that remains in your body causing liver cell death and eventually, liver failure.

Hard to detect

"It is asymptomatic and hence, hard to detect. It shows up some 20 or 30 years later in the form of cirrhosis or liver cancer. If detected early, you can opt for a liver transplant," says Dr Deepak Amrapurkar, Consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist at Bombay Hospital.

Why you can't afford to mess with the liver
It produces over 1,000 enzymes
Makes the blood clot, hence stop bleeding
Detoxifies poisons and drugs that enter the body
It removes excess fluid from the body
Extracts usable material out of dying blood cells to produce bile
It transforms the food we eat into energy to build cells and tissues in our body
It stores nutrients.

Expert speak

70% chance of recovery  if detected early
Dr Philip Abraham, Consultant Hepatologist, Hinduja Hospital
If detected early, there is 70% to 80% chance of a cure. Be careful when you receive transfusions. Often, screening for Hepatitis C is not done, especially outside Indian metros, since blood becomes more expensive. The only way to find out if you are infected, is to undergo a test. Medicines can only keep the virus in control. There is no cure.

40% chance of Hep C being transmitted to the child
Dr Duru Shah, Medical Director, Gynaec World
Since Hepatitis C can be transmitted from mother to child, we conduct tests on pregnant women for HIV, Hepatitis B and C. There is a 40% chance of the infection being transmitted. Accordingly, we decide whether to have a normal or a Ceasarean section delivery. In a normal delivery, the chances of transmission are higher.

You can prevent Hep C. Here's how:
Avoid contact with blood or blood products if possible.
Wear gloves when handling blood and body fluids.
Don't share needles with anyone.
If you have several sex partners, use a condom.
If you get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure it is done with disinfected, disposable tools.
If you have Hepatitis C, don't donate your blood or plasma.

Hep C patients may have abnormal blood sugar levels
A report in the American Journal of Gastroenterology states that nearly two thirds of patients with chronic Hepatitis C may have abnormal blood sugar levels.

Natalie Cole, Grammy Award-winning singer, announced in July that she was suffering from Hepatitis C. The disease was revealed during a routine examination, and is likely to have been caused by her drug use 25 years ago. She underwent hospitalisation due to the side effects from the medication. pic/ afp photo