What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver and can result in liver cell damage and destruction.

What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C (once called non-A, non-B hepatitis) is a liver disease caused by a recently identified blood-borne virus. Discovered in 1989, this strain of acute viral hepatitis causes approximately 26,000 new infections in the US each year.

What causes hepatitis C?

Transmission of hepatitis C occurs primarily from contact with infected blood, but can also occur from sexual contact or from an infected mother to her baby. Blood transfusions prior to 1992 and the use of shared needles are other significant causes of the spread of hepatitis C.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

The following are the most common symptoms for hepatitis C. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Loss of appetite

Latigue

Nausea and vomiting

Vague stomach pain

Jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Fever

Dark yellow urine

Light-colored stools

Muscle and joint pain

Treatment for hepatitis C

Specific treatment for hepatitis C will be determined by your physician based on:

Your age, overall health, and medical history

Extent of the disease

Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

Expectations for the course of the disease

Your opinion or preference

How can you avoid catching hepatitis A virus when traveling?

Anyone traveling to countries where hepatitis A virus infections are common should avoid the following:

Ice and unbottled water

Uncooked shellfish

Uncooked or unpeeled vegetables and fruit

Food from street vendors

Salads