Hepatitis C
Description
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is most often spread through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs, or from mother to baby during childbirth; many people have no symptoms for years. Some people notice tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or stomach pain, but symptoms can be mild or absent. If the infection becomes long-lasting (chronic), it can slowly damage the liver over time, possibly leading to scarring or other liver problems. If you’re concerned you may have been exposed or want to know your status, a qualified healthcare professional can discuss testing and what it means for your health.
Common Symptoms
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Dark urine
If you have concerns about hepatitis C or your symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Causes
Hepatitis C is typically spread through exposure to infected blood.
The strongest risk factor is injection drug use or sharing needles or other injection equipment.
Other risks include receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before widespread screening (before 1992), being born to an infected mother, or getting tattoos/piercings with non-sterile equipment.
Less common routes include long-term hemodialysis or certain healthcare exposures like needlestick injuries.
If you think you might be at risk, talk to a qualified healthcare professional for testing and guidance.
Treatment Options
Hepatitis C is commonly treated with antiviral medications that directly target the virus, usually taken as a short course of oral pills.
The standard approach today uses direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to achieve cure in the majority of people over about 8–12 weeks.
Lifestyle factors matter—avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting vaccines for hepatitis A and B to protect liver health.
Healthcare providers monitor treatment response with blood tests and may assess liver scarring with noninvasive imaging or, less commonly, a biopsy.
In advanced liver disease, management is coordinated by specialists and may involve evaluating for liver transplantation in severe cases.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical decisions regarding testing, treatment options, and follow-up care.