What Is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. Over time, the virus can cause inflammation and damage that may interfere with how the liver works. Some people have a short-term infection, while others develop a long-lasting condition called chronic hepatitis C.
Many people do not realize they have hepatitis C because symptoms may not appear right away. Early testing and treatment can help prevent serious liver problems later in life.
People may be at higher risk if they:
- Share needles or drug-use equipment
- Received blood products before routine hepatitis C screening
- Have exposure to blood through work or medical treatment
- Were born to a mother with hepatitis C
- Received tattoos or piercings with unsterile equipment
Symptoms
Hepatitis C spreads through contact with infected blood. In many cases, symptoms are mild or absent at first, which is why screening is important.
Possible symptoms may include:
- Feeling very tired
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
- Fever
- Muscle or joint aches
- Dark urine
- Pale-colored stools
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
How Is It Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and possible risk factors. Blood tests are used to check for hepatitis C infection and evaluate how well the liver is working.
Additional testing may include imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to look for signs of liver damage. In some situations, further testing may be needed to measure the extent of liver disease.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment for hepatitis C often begins with antiviral medications that target the virus directly. Many people are cured after completing treatment, which typically lasts several weeks to a few months.
Your provider may also recommend regular monitoring of liver health during and after treatment. If hepatitis C has caused severe liver damage, more advanced care — including liver transplant evaluation — may be necessary.
Early treatment can lower the risk of complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
