Hepatitis C

Many persons with hepatitis C infection may not experience any symptoms.

If they do appear, the symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, and jaundice (yellowing) of the skin and whites of the eyes. If the infection continues for more than 6 months, the condition is called chronic hepatitis C.

If symptoms appear, they usually begin 7 weeks following infection with the virus, but the onset can range from 2 to 24 weeks.

Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood. People who have received blood transfusions, people who inject drugs , household members and sexual partners of infected persons, and people who may be exposed to other people’s blood at work are at highest risk of getting Hepatitis C. In some cases, HCV can also be spread through sexual contact or unsanitary tattooing and piercing practices.

Baby boomers (born 1945 to 1965) are highly recommended to get tested for hepatitis C, at least once, regardless of any known blood or behavior risk.

There are 2 simple blood tests for Hepatitis C that your doctor can order. A screening test for antibodies shows whether you may have been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus. A second test called a Hepatitis C RNA (or PCR) test can confirm if you have an active case of Hepatitis C and be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

HCV positive persons should see their doctor regularly to check liver function. There are some medicines that a doctor can prescribe to cure people with chronic HCV infection. HCV patients should avoid drinking alcohol.