Hepatitis-C
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Facts about Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is also called non-A, non-B hepatitis. Hepatitis C is usually spread by sharing contaminated needles or through a blood transfusion done with infected blood.

The first stage of a hepatitis C infection is usually a mild illness. Some people who are infected become chronic carriers of HCV, meaning they remain infected for many years. Some people who are chronic HCV carriers have some liver inflammation all the time and, over the course of many years, many will develop serious liver damage.

There is no vaccine against the hepatitis C virus. There is no specific treatment for an acute hepatitis C infection. People who develop a chronic infection may be treated with medications to try to reduce their risk for liver damage.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors: 
The hepatitis C virus causes most cases of hepatitis after a blood transfusion. Exposure to substances that are toxic to the liver may be a cause. Risk factors include recent blood transfusion, environmental or occupational exposure to blood, and intravenous drug abuse. The incidence is 1 out of 10,000 people. Other hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus. 

Symptoms: 

• jaundice 
• fatigue 
• loss of appetite 
• nausea and vomiting 
• low-grade fever 
• pale or clay colored stools 
• dark urine 
• generalized itching