Hepatitis C (HCV)

Overview

This infectious disease, which primarily affects the liver, typically progresses slowly but can be life-threatening. Most people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus do not know that they are infected, and may show no symptoms for decades.

Transmission

The hepatitis C virus is not transmitted through casual contact such as kissing or sharing eating utensils. The virus is only spread through blood-to-blood contact with an infected individual. It is often transmitted through shared drug needles and through improperly-cleaned tattoo or piercing needles. The virus can also be transmitted by blood transfusions and organ transplants, although improved screening techniques were implemented in 1992 to identify contaminated blood and organs.

People who work in the medical or dental field are at an elevated risk of contracting the virus, because they frequently come into contact with blood. And finally, in some cases the virus can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, and in rare cases the virus can be transmitted through sexual contact.

Acute Stage

A person infected with hepatitis C commonly shows no symptoms in the first six months after infection, which is called the acute stage of the disease. Those who do show symptoms during this stage may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. They may also experience abdominal tenderness and muscle and joint pains. During the acute stage of the disease, the person’s body may be able to defeat the virus.

Chronic Stage

Once the disease progresses past the six-month mark, it is said to be in the chronic stage. The person typically shows no symptoms and is unaware that they are infected. The virus attacks the liver, causing inflammation and scarring that gradually leads to cirrhosis. Eventually, this cirrhosis can rob the liver of its ability to function, and the person may experience liver failure.