Hepatitis C is an infection of the
liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV)
HCV is in blood, semen, other body fluids, and
tissues of persons infected by HCV
Most of HCV-infected persons (75 to 85%) carry the virus
for the rest of their lives; such persons can spread the
virus for many years. Up to 20% of patients with chronic
HCV develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver
cancer, some as late as 20 years after HCV infection.
In severe cases, liver transplantation is the only treatment.
Symptoms to look for in acute HCV infection:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Feeling tired
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
Many persons have no symptoms of HCV infection. If a
person is exposed to HCV, symptoms may appear about 6
to 8 weeks later, but this time period can vary among
individuals. Some persons find out they are infected after
lab tests are done (for example, after giving blood).
HCV is spread mainly by exposure to blood and
blood products. Persons at high risk of being exposed
to HCV include:
- Users of illegal injecting drugs
- Recipients of blood transfusions, plasma, organs,
and other tissues
- Babies born to infected mothers
- Persons treated with long-term hemodialysis
- Persons with multiple sexual partners
Certain groups of persons should be tested for
hepatitis C virus infection
- Persons notified that they received blood from an
HCV positive donor
- Persons who received transfusions or solid organs
prior to July 1992
- Persons who received clotting factor concentrates
prior to 1987
- Chronic hemodialysis patients
- Persons who ever injected illegal drugs, even if
many years ago
- Health care and public safety workers after exposure
to HCV-positive blood
- Children born to HCV-positive women
A doctor will decide what tests are needed. Routine testing
is not recommended for the general public, health care/emergency
medical/public safety workers, pregnant women, or household
(non-sexual) contacts of HCV-infected persons.
Treatment is available for some people with HCV
Two drugs, interferon and ribavirin, can be used to treat
HCV. The treatment is effective in 10-40% of persons.
Doctors will help decide who should be treated and can
explain how to protect the liver, for example, by not
drinking alcohol and avoiding certain medicines.
Prevent hepatitis C by avoiding exposure and
practicing good hygiene
Injecting drug users should not share needles or works
with others. The use of latex condoms may decrease the
risk of catching or passing HCV through sex.
Persons with hepatitis C should get vaccination
against hepatitis A and hepatitis B
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