Hepatitis C is an infectious disease affecting primarily the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection is often asymptomatic, but chronic infection can lead to scarring of the liver and ultimately to cirrhosis, which is generally apparent after many years. In some cases, those with cirrhosis will go on to develop liver failure, liver cancer, or life-threatening esophageal and gastric varices.
HCV is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact associated with intravenous drug use, poorly sterilized medical equipment, and transfusions. An estimated 150–200 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C. The existence of hepatitis C – originally identifiable only as a type of non-A non-B hepatitis – was suggested in the 1970s and proven in 1989. Hepatitis C infects only humans and chimpanzees. It is one of five known hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E.
The virus persists in the liver in about 85% of those infected. This infection of the liver is caused by the hepatitis virus. About 3.2 million people in the U.S. have the disease. But it causes few symptoms, so most of them don’t know.
There are many forms of the hepatitis C virus. The most common in the U.S. is type 1. None is more serious than any other, but they respond differently to treatment.
Jaundice (a condition that causes yellow eyes and skin, as well as dark urine), Stomach pain, Loss of appetite, Nausea, and Fatigue.
HOW IT’S TRANSMITTED
The virus spreads through the blood or body fluids of an infected person.
You can catch it from:
-Sharing drugs and needles
-Having sex, especially if you have an STD, an HIV infection, several partners, or have rough sex.
-Being stuck by infected needles
-Birth — a mother can pass it to a child
Hepatitis C isn’t spread through food, water, or by casual contact.
HOW IT’S DIAGNOSED
You can get a blood test to see if you have the hepatitis C virus.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects?
Yes. About 75% to 85% of people who have it develop a long-term infection called chronic hepatitis C. It can lead to conditions like liver cancer and cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. This is one of the top reasons people get liver transplants.
WHAT’S THE TREATMENT:
Hepatitis C treatments have changed a lot in recent years. The latest is a once-daily pill called Harvoni that cures the disease in most people in 8-12 weeks. It combines two drugs: sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) and ledipasvir. In clinical trials, the most common side effects were fatigue and headache. However, the medicine is expensive. Interferon and ribavirin used to be the main treatments for hepatitis C. They can have side effects like fatigue, flu-like symptoms, anemia, skin rash, mild anxiety, depression, nausea, and diarrhea.
THOSE AT HIGHEST RISK:
Certain things may increase your risk of becoming infected with the hepatitis C virus. Just because you are at risk for getting hepatitis C does not mean that you have the virus.
Many people do not know how they became infected with hepatitis C.
Recommended Related to Hepatitis
Tips to Deal With Hepatitis C Fatigue
When you have hepatitis C, being tired — really tired — can be a fact of life. But there are ways you can boost your energy. Here, three people who have experience with fatigue from the disease share their tips.
You can get hepatitis from:
–Sharing needles and other equipment (such as cotton, spoons, and water) used to inject drugs.
-Having your ears or another body part pierced, getting a tattoo, or having acupuncture with needles that have not been sterilized properly. The risk of getting hepatitis C in these ways is very low.
-Working in a health care environment where you are exposed to fresh blood or where you may be pricked with a used needle. Following standard precautions for health care workers makes this risk very low.
