&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, and its early symptoms can be quite subtle or even nonexistent. As one of the leading causes of liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer, Hepatitis C is a significant health concern worldwide, including in Singapore.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;What is Hepatitis C?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It infects the liver, often leading to chronic liver disease if left untreated. The infection can progress to severe complications, such as liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver tissue), liver failure, and even liver cancer. Though Hepatitis C can remain asymptomatic for many years, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the long-term effects of the virus.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;How Do We Contract Hepatitis C?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. The most common ways the virus is spread include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Intravenous drug use:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia with someone who has Hepatitis C.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Unprotected sexual intercourse:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; Particularly through rough sex, anal sex, or sexual activity involving blood exposure.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;From mother to baby:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; During childbirth, although this is less common.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;In Singapore,&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style=&quot;box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot;&gt;about&amp;nbsp;&lt;strong&gt;1% of the population&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;is estimated to be&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;infected with Hepatitis C. This figure&amp;nbsp;underscores the importance of regular screening, especially for those in high-risk groups.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What is Hepatitis A, B, and C?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Hepatitis A, B, and C are viral infections that affect the liver but &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;are caused&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt; by different viruses. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Hepatitis A&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt; typically spreads through contaminated food or water and causes acute liver disease.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hepatitis B&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt; is transmitted through blood or bodily fluids and can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Read:&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/hepatitis-b-test-and-b-vaccine-singapore-clinic&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hepatitis B Testing and Vaccination&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hepatitis C&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt; is mainly spread through blood contact and often leads to chronic infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/vaccination&quot;&gt;Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, but there is &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;no vaccine for Hepatitis C&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Symptoms of Hepatitis C&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Many individuals infected with Hepatitis C may not show any symptoms for years. However, as the virus progresses, some symptoms may appear, including:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Fatigue and weakness&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Abdominal pain or discomfort, particularly in the upper right side&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Dark urine and light-coloured stools&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Nausea and vomiting&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Loss of appetite&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Because Hepatitis C can remain dormant for many years, it&#39;s often called a &quot;silent infection.&quot; Regular testing is essential to detect the virus early, especially for individuals who engage in high-risk activities.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hepatitis C &amp;amp; HIV Coinfection&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Hepatitis C and HIV coinfection occurs when a person &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;is infected&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt; with both the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;This dual infection can complicate treatment and worsen health outcomes, as both viruses affect the liver and immune system. People with HIV are more likely to develop chronic Hepatitis C and face higher risks of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Managing both infections requires specialised care to prevent further liver damage and improve long-term health. Read: &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/hiv-testing&quot;&gt;HIV Testing in Singapore&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/hiv-treatment&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HIV Treatment in Singapore&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Testing for Hepatitis C in Singapore&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;If you believe you may be at risk for Hepatitis C, it&#39;s crucial to get tested. Hepatitis C can be diagnosed through a blood test that checks for the &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hepatitis C antibody&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. This test can typically detect the infection &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;6 to 9 weeks&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; after potential exposure to the virus.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;We offer &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-testing&quot;&gt;Hepatitis C screening tests&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and other &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-testing&quot;&gt;STD tests in Singapore&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Risk Factors for Hepatitis C&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Certain behaviours and conditions increase the likelihood of contracting Hepatitis C, including:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Unprotected sexual intercourse&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; High-risk sexual behaviours, such as rough or anal sex or sex with multiple partners, can expose individuals to the virus.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Intravenous drug use&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Sharing needles and other drug paraphernalia is one of the most common ways Hepatitis C is transmitted.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tattooing, acupuncture, and body piercings&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; If tools and needles are not properly sterilised, there is a risk of infection.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Healthcare workers&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Exposure to infected blood due to occupational accidents like needlestick injuries.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Blood transfusions or organ transplants&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Especially before the implementation of rigorous screening in the 1990s.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Travel to regions with high infection rates&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Countries such as East Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa may have higher rates of Hepatitis C infection.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;While Hepatitis C can also spread through non-sexual bodily fluid contact, the risks are considerably lower compared to blood exposure.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Treatment for Hepatitis C&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com/steps-in-getting-hepatitis-c-virus-hcv-treatment-in-thailand&quot;&gt;Hepatitis C is treatable&lt;/a&gt;; the earlier the infection is diagnosed, the more influential the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com/steps-in-getting-hepatitis-c-virus-hcv-treatment-in-thailand&quot;&gt;Hep C &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;treatment&lt;/span&gt; with antiviral medications&lt;/a&gt; to help clear the infection from the body. These treatments can prevent the progression of more severe liver conditions, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Sometimes, patients may need long-term follow-up care to monitor liver health. With the right treatment, many people can live without symptoms and significantly reduce the risk of liver damage.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Preventing Hepatitis C Infection&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;While there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, you can reduce your risk by following these preventative measures:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Avoid high-risk sexual activities&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; This includes limiting the number of sexual partners and avoiding unprotected sex, particularly with individuals whose Hepatitis C status is unknown.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Use condoms&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Especially during oral or vaginal sex, to reduce the risk of transmission.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice safe behaviours&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; This includes not sharing needles or personal items like razors or toothbrushes that may have come into contact with infected blood.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Awareness of the risks and practising safer habits can help prevent initial and recurrent infections.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Hepatitis C remains a significant public health issue in Singapore and globally. Early detection through regular &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-testing&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;STD screening&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and testing is critical to managing and preventing the disease&#39;s long-term effects. If you are at risk or have concerns about Hepatitis C, don&#39;t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Hepatitis C screening and a range of health services to help you stay safe and healthy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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