Hepatitis C

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Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver and can range from a mild illness to a serious, lifelong condition. Here's some key information about it:

Causes and Transmission:

Caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood.
Common ways of transmission include sharing needles or syringes for injecting drugs, unsafe medical practices, and from mother to child during childbirth.
Less common transmission can occur through unprotected sex with multiple partners or with someone with known hepatitis C.
Symptoms:

Many people with chronic hepatitis C have no symptoms for years, even decades.
When symptoms appear, they may include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Complications:

Chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious complications like liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer if left untreated.
It's the leading cause of liver transplantation in the US.
Diagnosis and Treatment:

Blood tests can diagnose hepatitis C.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
Highly effective antiviral medications can cure most cases of hepatitis C in 8-12 weeks.
Prevention:

Avoiding high-risk behaviors like sharing needles and syringes is key to prevention.
Getting tested for hepatitis C if you're at risk is vital for early diagnosis and treatment.