Hepatitis C
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Hepatitis is inflammation or swelling of the liver. Hepatitis C is a specific disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is a contagious disease, which means it can be spread from person to person.
The Hepatitis C virus causes damage when it attacks the liver. The liver is an important organ located in the abdomen. It breaks down waste products in the blood, helps digest food, fights infection, and stores nutrients, vitamins, and energy.
If the liver is inflamed, it cannot function correctly and waste products can build up in the blood. The inflammation caused by hepatitis C can cause scarring on the liver tissue known as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal.
Anyone can become infected with hepatitis C. HCV is only transferred through contact with infected blood. Prior to 1992, anyone who received a blood transfusion or organ transplant was at risk for Hepatitis C because donor blood was not tested for the virus. Since 1992, blood and tissue donations in the United States have been screened for the virus.
Some ways people become infected with HCV include:
• Having a blood transfusion or being an organ transplant recipient prior to 1992
• Being born to a woman who has hepatitis C
• Sharing a drug injections needle that was used by an infected person
• Having sex with an infected person
• Using an infected person’s razor, toothbrush, or other item that could come in contact with blood
• Getting a tattoo or piercing if the tools were used on an infected person and were not properly sterilized
Healthcare workers and others are also at risk from an accidental needle stick if the needle was used on an infected person.
Hepatitis C may be acute, which means the liver may suddenly becomes inflamed. Some people recover from an acute inflammation within a few days or weeks. However, acute hepatitis C often leads to chronic or long-term hepatitis C, which becomes a life-long disease with potentially serious health consequences.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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