Hoshiarpur:- July Hepatitis-C (HCV) is a viral infection that mainly affects the liver. In the initial stage, the symptoms of this disease are very few or not at all, due to which many people suffer from this disease for years but do not know about it. If not tested and treated on time, this disease can cause serious conditions like liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
Giving more information about this, Civil Surgeon Hoshiarpur Dr. Mandeep Kamal said that Hepatitis-C is mainly spread through contact with infected blood. Therefore, one should never use someone else's used needle or syringe. Always ensure the use of sterile equipment for tattoos, piercings or any medical procedure. Treatment should be sought only from licensed and recognized health institutions.
Dr. Mandeep Kamal said that there are still many misconceptions among the people about Hepatitis-C. This disease does not spread through shaking hands, hugging, sitting together, sharing food, drinking water or mosquito bites. Therefore, there should be no discrimination against people suffering from Hepatitis-C. They need social and family support.
He said that people who have previously had blood transfusions, dialysis, have a history of drug abuse through injections or who have had tattoos or piercings done in an unsafe manner should definitely get tested for Hepatitis-C. If you feel constant fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice or other symptoms related to the liver, you should also contact a doctor immediately.
He said that the Punjab government is providing Hepatitis-C testing and treatment facilities completely free of cost in government health institutions. He said that with timely diagnosis and complete treatment, this disease can be completely cured and serious liver complications can be avoided.