infection
Hepatitis C
C is an disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver; it is a type of viral hepatitis. During the initial period, people often have mild or no symptoms. Early symptoms can include fever, dark urine, pain, and . The virus persists in the liver, becoming , in about 70% of those initially infected. Early on, chronic infection typically has no symptoms. Over many years, however, it often leads to liver disease and occasionally . In some cases, those with cirrhosis will develop serious such as liver failure, liver cancer, or blood in the and stomach.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Typically none
Causes — why it happens
- · C virus usually spread by blood-to-blood contact
How it's found
- ·Blood testing for or viral RNA
Prevention
- ·Sterile needles, testing donated blood
Treatment
- ·Medications, liver
Complications
- ·Liver failure, liver cancer, and varices
More in Liver
Hepatitis BCirrhosisFatty liver diseaseLiver cancerWilson's diseaseHaemochromatosisHepatitis AHepatitis EJaundiceAcute liver failureAlcoholic liver diseaseGilbert's syndrome
See all of Liver →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.