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Hepatitis C

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Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. About 3.2 million people in the U.S. are infected with hepatitis C, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, most don't know they have it because the virus causes few symptoms.
There are at least six different subtypes of the hepatitis C virus. While no one type is more dangerous than another, they do respond differently to treatment. Hepatitis C type 1 is the most common type in the U.S. Unfortunately, the medications we have don't work as well with type 1 as with other subtypes of the virus.
Recommended Related to Hepatitis
Understanding Hepatitis C -- Symptoms
Hepatitis C is a sneaky virus. About 80% of infected people don't have any symptoms of the virus, and their liver shows only a little damage. Many of these people are diagnosed with hepatitis C after showing abnormal liver enzymes on routine blood tests. Other people -- about 10% to 20% -- develop cirrhosis after having the hepatitis C infection for 20 or 30 years. This is when the normal functioning liver is replaced by scar tissue. A smaller number of people develop liver cancer after infection...
Read the Understanding Hepatitis C -- Symptoms article > >
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis C?
When hepatitis C symptoms are present, they may include: * Jaundice (a condition causing yellow eyes and skin, as well as dark urine) * Abdominal pain * Loss of appetite * Nausea * Fatigue How Is Hepatitis C Transmitted?
Hepatitis C is transmitted when the blood or body fluids from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not immune to the disease.
It can be spread by: * Having sex with an infected person without a condom (though experts don't know if condoms prevent transmission or just reduce it). * Sharing drugs and needles. * Being cut by infected needles (health care workers). * Birth from a mother to a child.
Hepatitis C is not spread through food, water, or by casual contact.
Who Is at Risk for Hepatitis C?
People at higher risk of hepatitis C infection include: * Injecting drug users, even just one time. * Kidney dialysis patients * Recipients of blood or organ transplants before 1992 * People with undiagnosed liver problems * Infants born to infected mothers How Is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?
There are several blood tests available to determine if you are infected with the hepatitis C virus.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects of Hepatitis C?
Yes. In those infected with hepatitis C, 75% to 85% may develop a long-term infection. Hepatitis C is one of the top reasons that people need a liver transplant.
What's the Treatment for Hepatitis C?
If a person infected with hepatitis C shows signs of liver damage, the doctor will recommend treatment with medication.
For years, the standard hepatitis C treatment was a combination of injected interferon alpha (Intron A) and the oral antiviral drug ribavirin (Copegus or Rebetol). A combination form of these drugs is also available, called Rebetron.
More recently, another form of interferon -- peginterferon, or pegylated interferon (Pegasys or PEG Intron) -- has become the standard of care. Interferon is a man-made version of certain natural proteins that fight viruses. Peginterferon, or pegylated interferon, is modified so that it stays in the body longer than standard interferon. Because the drug stays at more constant levels in the body, patients need only one injection a week instead of three.

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