•  
  •  

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. The liver becomes swollen and tender (inflamed) and may develop permanent damage, such as scarring or liver cancer.

Initial symptoms of hepatitis C are mild. They include fatigue, sore muscles, abdominal pain, and sometimes dark urine. Hepatitis C is diagnosed with blood tests, but the disease usually goes unnoticed until years later after liver damage develops.

Hepatitis C is spread through sharing needles, being exposed to infected blood, or, very rarely, having unprotected sex with an infected partner.

Treatment for hepatitis C includes antiviral medicines and supportive therapy. A liver transplant sometimes is needed.

Last Revised: July 6, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.