HCV, once known as a "non-A, non-B" hepatitis, currently affects approximately 3.5 million Americans. It develops into a chronic condition in a great majority of patients. Like chronic hepatitis B, if left untreated the chronic form of hepatitis C has a greater chance of developing into cirrhosis, liver cancer, or possibly even liver failure. Liver failure due to hepatitis C is currently the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.
Who is at risk for hepatitis C?
People at high risk of being infected with the hepatitis C virus include individuals who have had a blood transfusion prior to routine screening of donated blood, anyone who has a tattoo or body piercing, health care workers, intravenous drug users, and hemodialysis patients. However, approximately one third of patients have no identifiable history of exposure to the virus.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
Most people who get hepatitis C have no recognizable signs or symptoms. But some people do experience flu-like symptoms, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness, and mild abdominal pain. Not-so-common symptoms are dark urine and jaundice of the skin and eyes. As with hepatitis B, the only way to positively identify the disease is through a blood test.
