Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. The virus lives in the liver cells and causes the liver to become inflame. Many people do not know that they have hepatitis C until they already have some liver damage, which can take many years. Hepatitis C, or HCV, accounts for only about 15 percent of cases of viral hepatitis. Only 10 to 15 percent of those infected with HCV are able to rid their bodies of the infection completely without treatment.

Causes

You can get hepatitis C if you come in contact with blood carrying the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C results when the hepatitis C virus (HCV) enters your bloodstream and infects your liver. You can get the virus from needles, syringes, or other tools used for injections, as well as from razor blades, toothbrushes, or tattooing or body piercing equipment. Sexual transmission or transmission from mother to infant can occur, but is relatively rare. In the past, many people were infected with hepatitis C through blood transfusions.

Symptoms

Eighty percent of those infected do not have symptoms. Some people feel like they have the flu. Symptoms of hepatitis C can include fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, jaundice, fever, and an enlarged liver.
 

Treatment

Interferon and ribavirin are two drugs approved for the treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis C. Interferon can be taken alone or in combination with ribavirin (Rebetron). Combination therapy, using pegylated interferon and ribavirin (Pegasys), is currently the treatment of choice. Treatment is not always an option because the medicines used to treat hepatitis C have significant side effects, are expensive, and do not work for everyone.