Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by infection from the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. This infection can lead to cirrhosis and cancer. The incubation period for the virus is anywhere from 2 to 25 weeks, with an average development of symptoms from 7 to 9 weeks.

About 55%-85% of infected individuals develop chronic infection of Hepatitis C and about 70% of individuals will develop chronic liver disease. Death from chronic liver disease affects about 1% to 5% of infected persons. Hepatitis C is the leading indicator for needing a liver transplant.

What are the symptoms?

Approximately 80% of persons have no signs or symptoms. Some signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C can be jaundice, fatigue, dark urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and/or nausea.

How is it transmitted?

Transmission of Hepatitis C occurs when blood from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not infected. HCV can, for example, be spread by sharing needles when shooting drugs, through needle-sticks or sharps exposures, or from an infected mother to her baby during birth.

How is it treated?

HCV positive persons should be evaluated by their doctor for liver disease. Interferon and ribavirin are two drugs licensed for the treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis C. Interferon can be taken alone or in combination with ribavirin. Combination therapy, using pegylated interferon and ribavirin, is currently the treatment of choice. Combination therapy can get rid of the virus in up to 5 out of 10 persons for genotype 1 and in up to 8 out of 10 persons for genotype 2 and 3. Drinking alcohol can make your liver disease worse.

How is it prevented?

There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Do not shoot drugs; if you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program; if you can't stop, never share needles, syringes, water, or drugs, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A & B. Do not share personal care items that might have blood on them (razors, toothbrushes). If you are a health care or public safety worker, be certain to follow routine barrier precautions, and safely handle needles and other sharp items; get vaccinated against hepatitis B. Consider the risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them or if the artist does not follow good health practices. If you are HCV positive, do not donate blood, organs, or tissue.