Hepatitis C is caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus, an RNA virus transmitted through blood or sexual contact. It can spread through receiving contaminated blood, sharing needles, syringes, or personal items with an infected person, and having sexual contact with someone carrying the virus.
What causes hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), an RNA virus. It is transmitted through blood or sexual contact—for example, receiving HCV-infected blood, sharing tattoo or injection needles or personal items with an infected person, and having sex with an infected partner.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
After exposure, the incubation period is about 6–8 weeks. Early on, most patients have no symptoms or only mild symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and muscle pain, so infection may go unnoticed. More than 80% of those infected develop chronic hepatitis. Without proper treatment, liver function progressively worsens and can lead to cirrhosis, with symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes, weight loss, abdominal distension (ascites), enlarged spleen, leg swelling, darkened or dry skin, abnormal bleeding, black stools, vomiting blood, drowsiness, and confusion.
How is hepatitis C diagnosed?
The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam, along with additional tests as follows:
- Blood tests for liver function, HCV antibody, and viral load (HCV RNA)
- Liver ultrasound and FibroScan to assess liver stiffness
- Liver biopsy
How is hepatitis C treated?
Treatment depends on the patient’s liver condition. Today, hepatitis C can be cured with oral antiviral medications, typically taken for about 3–6 months. Cure rates are approximately 80–90%. Doctors will monitor the viral load after treatment. If successful, liver inflammation improves, cirrhosis can be prevented, and the risk of future liver cancer is reduced.
How can hepatitis C infection be prevented?
- Avoid sharing injection needles, tattoo needles, or personal items with others
- Avoid contact with other people’s blood or bodily fluids
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse
There is currently no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.
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