Hepatitis c in children

Hepatitis C is a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. In time, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure.

Some people who get the infection have it for a short time (acute) and then get better. But most people who have it go on to develop a long-term (chronic) infection. Many people don't know that they have the virus until they already have some liver damage. This can take many years.

Treatment can usually cure hepatitis C.

Most children infected with hepatitis C don't have any symptoms. Sometimes a child may have mild symptoms, such as belly pain and fatigue. If left untreated, the child may develop symptoms such as itching, joint pain, and jaundice. Even with no symptoms, children and teens who are infected can spread the virus.

A blood test is used to diagnose hepatitis C. First, a hepatitis C (HCV) antibody test is done. This shows if a child has been exposed to this virus. If the test is positive (which means they have been exposed), then an HCV RNA blood test is done. This test shows if the child is infected with the hepatitis C virus now.

Children need to be tested for hepatitis C if they may have been exposed to infected blood. If the parent who gave birth to the child had hepatitis C, the child is usually tested at or after the age of 18 months. Testing is repeated after the child is 3 years old to find out if treatment is needed. Other children birthed by the same parent may need to be tested too.

In some cases, a child's body will clear the virus without treatment. But in most cases, a child will need treatment to get rid of the virus.

Hepatitis C is treated with antiviral medicines. A doctor can prescribe these medicines for an infected child who is age 3 years or older.

Most children can be cured with 8 to 12 weeks of treatment. Follow-up testing is needed to be sure that the infection was cured.

• Follow your doctor's advice about getting your baby tested for hepatitis C. And if you have other children, talk to your doctor about getting them tested too.
• Make sure that your baby gets all the recommended childhood vaccines. This includes the vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. These are usually given in the first 2 years of life. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
• Breastfeed your baby if you can. The virus isn't spread through breast milk. So it's safe to breastfeed while you have hepatitis C unless your nipples are cracked or bleeding.
• Be safe with medicines. Make sure that the doctor knows about any medicines your baby takes. Some medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can make liver problems worse. Do not give your baby any new medicine unless the doctor says it is okay.
• Take steps to avoid spreading the virus to your baby and others.
  • Don't share personal items that may have blood on them. These include towels, razors, toothbrushes, and nail clippers.
  • Keep any cuts, scrapes, or blisters covered.
  • Use a diluted bleach solution to clean surfaces that have blood on them. Before you throw away items with blood on them, seal them in a plastic bag.
  • If you use drugs, don't share supplies used to snort or inject drugs, like needles, syringes, or straws. Sharing supplies is the main way hepatitis C is spread.
• Take care of yourself.
  • Get treated for hepatitis C. You'll probably be treated after breastfeeding is done (or after delivery if you don't breastfeed).
  • Try to stay healthy by avoiding drugs and alcohol. If you need help to quit, tell your doctor. Treatment can help you get and stay sober.