Hepatitis C is a viral infection, transmitted through contaminated blood, that causes inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) exists in several different forms, known as genotypes. There are 7 distinct genotypes and more than 67 subtypes that have been identified around the world, with the most common type in the US being type 1.

Many people do not even know they are infected because they do not have any symptoms. If they do have symptoms, they will occur during the first 6 months after the infection of HCV, which is referred to as the acute phase. Symptoms include: jaundice(yellowing of the skin or eyes), fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain or swelling of the abdomen, dark-colored urine, bruising or bleeding easily, nausea, fever, or itching.

People with chronic hepatitis can also live years without symptoms, but once symptoms appear they are often signs of advanced liver disease such as, liver cancer, cirrhosis(scarring of the liver), or complete liver failure.

HCV is transmitted when contaminated blood is transmitted through: organ transplants, blood transfusions, sharing personal hygiene products like toothbrushes or razors, sharing needles, tattoos or body piercings, unprotected sex, or birth.

HCV can easily be diagnosed with a blood test, but doctors may recommend other testing, including a liver biopsy, to detect the severity of the liver damage before prescribing antiviral medications.

Previously treated with weekly injections or oral medications that have unacceptable side effects, Hepatitis C is now curable, in most people, by oral medications taken for 2 to 6 months. The goal being that HCV is undetectable after 12 weeks of medication.

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