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Hepatitis C

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

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What is it?

 

Hepatitis C is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact. This can result in short-term illness or a long-term, chronic infection. 

 

Chronic HCV, which affects 70 to 85% of those infected, is a serious disease. It can result in long-term health problems, or even death. Most people who have it may not be aware of the infection because they do not feel sick or display symptoms. 

 

Although there is no vaccine for HCV, new anti-virus medications are available. What’s more, people are being treated and cured for the first time in the disease’s history.

 

Symptoms

You can be infected with HCV for years before the first symptoms appear. Or, you can begin having symptoms between 1 and 3 months after infection. Most people with HCV do not have symptoms. For those who do, symptoms may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Extreme fatigue 
  • Yellowing skin and eyes 
  • Light-colored stools 
  • Dark-colored urine

 

When to see a doctor

If you have HCV, you may not notice until your liver is damaged. It’s important to know risk factors and see a doctor if you’re at risk or have symptoms. Undiagnosed HCV can lead to serious complications, including liver failure or liver cancer.

 

Causes and risk factors

Causes and risk factors

H3: You may have an increased risk of getting HCV if you:

  • Use or have used IV or intranasal drugs
  • Received contaminated blood products or transfusions
  • Work in healthcare and are accidentally pricked with an infected needle
  • Have HIV
  • Have gotten tattoos, body piercings or nail salon services with contaminated instruments
  • Have had sexual contact with an infected person
  • Share personal items that have touched blood
  • Were born between 1945 and 1965
  • Received clotting factor concentrates made before 1987
  • Have been on long-term hemodialysis
  • Received blood from a donor who later tested positive for HCV
  • Received a transfusion of blood, blood products or an organ transplant before July 1992

 

Newborns whose mothers have HCV are also at risk.

Treatment options

HCV can be successfully treated with antiviral medications. The latest HCV treatment protocols are effective, shorter and easier to tolerate. Studies show that more than 70% of people who undergo treatment are cured.

 

Testing

Your doctor can help you determine if you have HCV. They may recommend the following tests or procedures:

  • Antibody test
  • Viral load testing

 

Prevention

There is no vaccine for HCV. The best way to prevent HCV is to avoid participating in activities that can spread it.

 

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Additional conditions

Liver Cancer

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Stomach Cancer

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Hepatitis B

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The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.
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