Understanding Hepatitis C (HCV)

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. There are many kinds of hepatitis. Some can be spread. Others are not. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) does spread. It can lead to lifelong liver disease. This includes chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Most people notice no problems until they develop liver disease years later. Symptoms include the following:

• Flulike problems (fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sore muscles and joints)

• Tenderness in the upper right abdomen

• Jaundice (yellowing skin)

• Swelling in the abdomen

• Itching

• Dark urine

How HCV Spreads

HCV spreads through exposure to an infected person's blood. This is most likely to occur if:

• You used an infected needle (IV drug needles, tattoos, acupuncture needles, and body piercing)

• You had a needlestick injury in the hospital

• You shared personal care items such as razors

• You had sex without a condom with an infected person (a less common cause)

• You had a blood transfusion several years ago (blood is now screened for HCV)

Many people do not know how they were exposed to HCV.