Hepatitis C Quiz: What is Hepatitis C?

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne virus that causes liver infection. In some cases the infection is brief, but in most cases HCV becomes chronic and can cause serious health problems, liver failure, and even death.

Hepatitis C infection is extremely contagious. The most common route of infection is sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia. HCV is a blood-borne virus, and contact with an infected person's blood can pass along the disease. Less common ways the virus can be transmitted include sexual contact, or sharing personal hygiene items such as razors with an infected person.

It is unlikely to get hepatitis C from tattoos or piercings. Licensed tattoo and piercing facilities have to follow certain regulations that make the spread of HCV unlikely. However, if precautions are not followed then transmission of hepatitis C and other infections may be possible. Before getting a tattoo or piercing, check out the facility to make sure they follow safety procedures to prevent infections.

Most people (up to 80%) infected with Hepatitis C virus do not have any symptoms in the beginning. When symptoms do occur, they usually happen within 6 to 7 weeks after exposure to the virus. But symptoms can start any time from 2 weeks post-infection up to 6 months.

Early symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Nausea/vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Joint pain
- Yellow color in the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver, due to permanent damage to liver tissue. This can occur secondary to infection with many infections, including Hepatitis C virus. HCV damages liver cells, causing them to die. This causes extensive scarring in the liver (fibrosis), which can lead to cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver is unable to function normally. If the damage is severe, liver failure can occur.

Up to one-quarter of people infected with Hepatitis C will rid the virus from their bodies without treatment and not experience chronic infection. It is not understood why this occurs in some patients.

HCV patients need to find a doctor who specializes in HCV monitoring and treatment to avoid progression of the illness. Chronic liver disease can cause complex medical complications and it is important to have a specialist monitor the disease and prescribe any needed medical interventions. There are many new and promising medical treatments for Hepatitis C infection.

There is not currently a vaccine available for Hepatitis C. There are vaccines for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, which are different viruses that can also affect the liver. Discuss the need for Hepatitis A or B vaccination with a doctor.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates between 2.4 million and 3.9 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis C infection. An estimated 30,500 acute hepatitis C cases occurred in 2014. HCV can become chronic in 75% to 85% of cases.

Hepatitis C infection kills more people annually than HIV/AIDS. The reason is that HCV often does not have any symptoms until the disease progresses to the point where treatment can no longer help.

The best way to prevent infection with HCV is to avoid contact with an infected person's blood, do not share needles, and avoid high-risk sexual behaviors (anal sex, multiple partners). If you do engage in high-risk behavior, or think you may have been exposed to Hepatitis C, talk to your doctor and get tested.

Hepatitis C infection can be cured in certain cases. There are new antiviral drugs that can treat the disease and rid the body of HCV in some patients. The choice of medications and regimens varies by the virus genotype and other factors, such as the presence of cirrhosis and the patient's treatment history.

These new drug treatments are used in different combinations depending on the patient's specific situation. Consult with a Hepatitis C treatment specialist to determine the treatment options that are right for you.