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"What is hepatitis C? Hepatitis is the Greek term for liver inflammation. Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). It was previously referred to as parenterally transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis.  Other types of viral hepatitis include hepatitis A and hepatitis B. How do you catch hepatitis C?  Hepatitis C is mainly spread via contaminated blood. It can be passed by the following.  Through contact with an infected person&amp;#039;s blood.  Transmission from mother to child (less than 5 per cent risk).  The virus can be contracted by accidental pricking with a contaminated needle \u2013 this mainly concerns healthcare workers. Sexual transmission among heterosexuals is rare, but there have been recent concerns regarding possible sexual transmission among gay men with HIV.  Hepatitis C is common in intravenous drug users who share equipment. It&amp;#039;s also seen in haemophiliacs and people who have had blood transfusions or treatment with blood products before screening of donors, which 1991. There have been concerns that cocaine use or sharing of glass rods etc may be a risk factor but in about one third of all cases of hepatitis C there are no obvious risk factors. What are the symptoms of hepatitis C? The incubation period, from the time of exposure to the virus until the onset of the disease, is one to six months. Most patients have no symptoms. Early symptoms include poor appetite, nausea, aching muscles and joints. Later symptoms include yellowing of skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes (jaundice, icterus); light-coloured stools; and dark urine. Once the late symptoms have developed, in most cases the patient quickly begins to get better. The disease typically lasts two to eight weeks.  Chronic or ongoing infection occurs in 60 to 80 per cent of those infected. These patients generally have no symptoms but some may complain of fatigue.  Over decades chronic infection can cause scarring of the liver which can lead to cirrhosis with risk of liver failure and liver cancer. How can hepatitis C be prevented?  Avoid sharing needles and syringes.  Avoid sharing razors and toothbrushes with an infected person.  Practise safer sex with condoms. Unfortunately, there&amp;#039;s no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C virus infection.  What can be done at home?   Moderate alcohol intake, if blood tests have shown that the disease is active. Your doctor will advise you. If you have chronic hepatitis C, it&amp;#039;s recommended that you are reviewed in a specialist clinic because there are treatments that can clear the virus in a large number of cases. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.  How is hepatitis C diagnosed?  The diagnosis is made on the basis of a blood sample, which will demonstrate the presence of HCV antibodies and viral RNA A blood test for liver function can determine the severity of the disease \u2013 and to what extent the liver is damaged by the virus.  In the case of chronic hepatitis, the severity of the illness can be assessed by obtaining a tissue sample (biopsy) from the liver.  Future prospects   The symptoms of acute type C hepatitis usually settle quickly. Acute hepatitis C is rarely fatal unless the patient has underlying liver disease.The infection becomes chronic in 60 to 80 per cent of patients.  The most serious complications of chronic type C hepatitis are cirrhosis and in rare cases, liver cancer.   How is type C hepatitis treated?  Chronic type C hepatitis can be treated by a combination of interferon alfa injections and ribavirin capsules. Half of the patients will benefit from the treatment.  Based on a text by Professor Court Pedersen, consultant, Professor Ove Schaffalitzky de Muckadell, consultant  Last updated 08.11.2010 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/infections/a5550/hepatitis-c-infectious-liver-inflammation-type-c/>