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Hepatitis C
Urgent
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is transmitted primarily through contact with infected blood. Many people have few or no symptoms at first, but persistent infection can cause liver inflammation and, over time, serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Acute hepatitis C may cause fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, although many people have no obvious symptoms. Some infections clear without treatment, while others become chronic. Chronic hepatitis C can progressively damage the liver if it remains untreated.
Body System
Digestive System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Hepatitis C requires medical evaluation because persistent infection can cause progressive liver disease. Seek prompt assessment for jaundice, significant abdominal swelling, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Emergency care is needed for severe bleeding, altered consciousness, or signs of acute liver failure.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is transmitted primarily through contact with infected blood. Many people have few or no symptoms at first, but persistent infection can cause liver inflammation and, over time, serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Acute hepatitis C may cause fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, although many people have no obvious symptoms. Some infections clear without treatment, while others become chronic. Chronic hepatitis C can progressively damage the liver if it remains untreated.
Symptoms 3
Blood In Stool
Fatigue
Weight Loss
Causes 1
Hepatitis C is caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. The virus is primarily transmitted when infected blood enters another person's bloodstream. Transmission can occur through sharing contaminated needles or equipment, unsafe medical procedures, or less commonly through sexual contact or from an infected mother to her baby. The hepatitis C virus is an RNA virus that infects liver cells and can persist in the body. After exposure, the immune response may clear the virus or fail to eliminate it, resulting in chronic infection. Persistent viral replication and inflammation can progressively produce fibrosis and other liver damage.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk factors include sharing needles or other injection equipment, receiving medical care with inadequately sterilized equipment, having a blood transfusion or organ transplant before modern screening was introduced, and other exposures to infected blood. Risk can also increase with certain sexual or occupational exposures. People who inject drugs or share injection equipment have an important risk of blood exposure. Other risks include accidental exposure to infected blood, nonsterile tattooing or piercing equipment, and certain healthcare exposures. People with previous transfusions or transplants before routine HCV screening may also have increased risk.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Hepatitis C is diagnosed with blood tests. An antibody test can show whether a person has been exposed to the virus, while an HCV RNA test confirms whether active infection is present. Additional blood tests and liver assessment help evaluate liver health and the extent of disease. Testing generally begins with an HCV antibody blood test. If antibodies are detected, an HCV RNA test determines whether the virus is currently present. Further assessment may include liver enzyme tests, blood counts, fibrosis assessment, and imaging or other investigations when needed to evaluate liver damage and complications.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Hepatitis C can be prevented by avoiding contact with infected blood
Do not share needles, syringes, razors, or other items that may contain blood
Use properly sterilized medical and tattoo equipment and follow appropriate precautions when there is a risk of blood exposure
There is currently no widely available vaccine for hepatitis C
Prevention therefore depends on reducing blood exposure, using sterile injection and medical equipment, and ensuring appropriate infection-control practices
People with ongoing exposure risks should discuss testing and prevention strategies with a healthcare professional
Prevention Guidance
Hepatitis C can be prevented by avoiding contact with infected blood. Do not share needles, syringes, razors, or other items that may contain blood. Use properly sterilized medical and tattoo equipment and follow appropriate precautions when there is a risk of blood exposure. There is currently no widely available vaccine for hepatitis C. Prevention therefore depends on reducing blood exposure, using sterile injection and medical equipment, and ensuring appropriate infection-control practices. People with ongoing exposure risks should discuss testing and prevention strategies with a healthcare professional.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
Fresh Fruits
Support liver health.
Vegetables
Provide antioxidants.
Lean Protein
Supports recovery.
Whole Grains
Provide nutrients and fiber.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
Must be avoided completely.
Highly Processed Foods
May worsen liver function.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is a viral infection that can cause chronic liver disease.
It spreads mainly through infected blood.
Many patients can be cured with modern antiviral medicines.
Blood tests detect hepatitis C antibodies and viral RNA.
Use sterile needles and screened blood products.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.