About Hepatitis C

By Henry-001 on

Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

  • Hepatitis C

  • HCV

  • Hep C

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It can manifest as either a short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) illness. The virus is blood-borne, most commonly spreading through shared needles or, historically, through blood transfusions prior to 1992. Many individuals do not experience immediate symptoms and may remain unaware of the infection for years while the virus slowly causes liver scarring or liver cancer.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

  • Feeling tired all the time

  • Fever

  • Nausea or feeling sick to your stomach

  • Not feeling hungry

  • Stomach pain

  • Dark urine

  • Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

  • Joint pain

How Is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?

Because symptoms are often absent, testing is the primary method of detection. The CDC recommends that every adult and all pregnant women be tested at least once.

  • Medical history and physical exam — A review of potential exposure and physical signs like jaundice.

  • Hepatitis C antibody test — A screening to see if the body has ever been exposed to the virus.

  • Virus RNA test — A confirmatory test to determine if the virus is currently active in the bloodstream.

  • Genotype test — Identifies which of the six main strains of the virus is present to help select the correct treatment.

  • Liver function tests — Blood work to assess how well the liver is performing.

  • Liver imaging — Non-invasive ultrasounds, such as transient elastography, to measure internal scarring.

How Is Hepatitis C Treated?

Unlike many other viral infections, Hepatitis C is now considered curable in more than 95% of cases.

  • Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) — These oral pills stop the virus from replicating. Treatment typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks with minimal side effects.

  • Post-treatment verification — A follow-up blood test 12 weeks after treatment confirms the virus is gone.

  • Liver protection — Patients are advised to avoid alcohol and maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the liver.

  • Liver transplant — In cases of end-stage liver damage, a transplant may be necessary, though antiviral therapy continues post-surgery.

  • Prevention — There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C. Protection relies on avoiding contact with infected blood.

Trend

  • Current Prevalence: Approximately 2.4 million people in the U.S. are living with the condition.

  • Recent Cases: An estimated 150,000 to 200,000 new cases were reported over the last five years.

  • Future Outlook: Experts predict a continued decrease in cases due to improved screening and highly effective curative treatments.

History of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C was originally referred to as "non-A, non-B hepatitis" until the virus was officially identified in 1989. While it once spread commonly through the medical blood supply, universal screening since 1992 has made that route rare in the U.S. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals in 2013 revolutionized care, replacing older, less effective treatments that carried severe side effects.

Hepatitis C - Source of Information

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.


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