Hepatitis C
Description of Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infectious disease that is caused by the
hepatitis C virus (HCV), affecting the liver. The infection is often
asymptomatic, but once established, chronic infection can cause inflammation of
the liver (chronic hepatitis). This condition can progress to scarring of the
liver (fibrosis), and advanced scarring (cirrhosis). In some cases, those with
cirrhosis will go on to develop liver failure or other complications of
cirrhosis, including liver cancer....
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact. No vaccine
against hepatitis C is available. The symptoms of infection can be medically
managed, and a proportion of patients can be cleared of the virus by a course of
anti-viral medicines. Although early medical intervention is helpful, people
with HCV infection can experience mild symptoms, and consequently do not seek
treatment. An estimated 150-200 million people worldwide are infected with
hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C (originally "non-A non-B hepatitis") is one of five known
hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E.
Specific Hepatitis C Information
Articles, questions and answers.
