Overview

HCV is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. Unlike Hepatitis B, there is no vaccine, but it is curable with antiviral therapy

Causes

• Sharing needles or unsafe injections
• Blood transfusion before 1992 (before HCV screening)
• Tattooing/piercing with unsterile tools
• Rarely via sexual contact or childbirth

Symptoms

• Often asymptomatic for years
• Fatigue, poor appetite
• Jaundice, dark urine
• Abdominal discomfort
• Chronic cases: cirrhosis, liver failure

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Diagnosis: Anti-HCV antibody, HCV RNA (PCR), liver function tests
• Treatment:
  • DAAs (Direct-Acting Antivirals): Sofosbuvir, Velpatasvir, Ledipasvir
  • Cure rate >95% with 8–12 weeks of treatment
  • Liver monitoring post-treatment

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

• Ayurveda: Kalmegh, Bhumyamalaki, Punarnava for liver protection
• Siddha: Liver tonics; Thiripala Chooranam
• Unani: Tiryaq Nazla, blood purifiers
• TCM: Licorice root, Yin chen hao
• Homeopathy: Chelidonium, Phosphorus
• Nutraceuticals: Milk thistle, Curcumin, NAC, Vitamin D, Zinc

Caution

• HCV often goes undetected for years
• Alcohol and fatty liver worsen progression
• Always complete full antiviral course

Prevention

• Avoid sharing needles, razors
• Use only sterilized instruments for tattoos
• Screen blood donors and high-risk individuals
• No vaccine available yet – avoid exposure.