What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis C?

About 75% of those with hepatitis C have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can develop within a few weeks up to about six months (the average is six weeks) and might include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Joint pain (arthritis)
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Fatigue (feeling tired all the time)

What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis C?

Most people with chronic hepatitis C don't have symptoms. Even without symptoms, though, people with chronic hepatitis C are at risk for serious liver diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), or liver failure, all of which can be fatal (but may not show signs for years). Diseases caused by chronic hepatitis C are the leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S.

How do people get hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C virus is transmitted through direct contact with blood from an infected person. The virus is most commonly transmitted through sharing of needles and syringes by injection drug users. Healthcare workers are at risk through needle sticks, as are babies born to mothers with hepatitis C.

Less commonly, hepatitis C is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner, or by sharing household objects such as razors and toothbrushes.

Hepatitis C is not spread through sharing cups and utensils, or through hugging, shaking hands, or breastfeeding.

Reduce your risk

There is no vaccine against hepatitis C, but there are ways to make infection with the virus much less likely:

• Avoid sharing objects that might contain blood, such as razors and toothbrushes.
• Injection drug uses should never share syringes, needles, or other equipment.
• Don't donate blood or organs if you are infected with hepatitis C.
• Hepatitis C is not commonly spread through sexual contact. If you partner has the virus, though, using condoms or another latex barrier (like a dental dam) may offer some protection.

What is the treatment for chronic hepatitis C?

Anyone with chronic hepatitis C should be referred to a healthcare professional with experience in treating hepatitis and liver diseases. There are several medications available to treat chronic hepatitis C but not every case requires treatment. It's important that patients with chronic hepatitis C be evaluated often for liver diseases.

A person with hepatitis C should avoid alcohol and should check with his/her healthcare provider before taking any supplements or over-the-counter medications (as some of these products can damage the liver).