what is hep c caused from

What are the common causes of hepatitis C?

You can get hepatitis C if:

• You share needles and other equipment (such as cotton, spoons, and water) used to inject illegal drugs. ...
• You had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992. ...
• You get a shot with a needle that has infected blood on it. ...
• You get a tattoo or a piercing with a needle that has infected blood on it. ...

Can hepatitis C be cured on its own?

The hepatitis C antibody will be permanently positive, but this doesn’t mean you’re reinfected. Hepatitis C may clear up on its own For some people, hepatitis C can also clear up on its own.

What are the early warning signs of hepatitis C?

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes),
• weakness,
• weight loss,
• problems with blood clotting,
• spider-like blood vessels seen on the skin, and
• breast enlargement in men.

What is hepatitis C, and can it be cured?

This is known as chronic hepatitis C and can cause cirrhosis and liver failure. Chronic hepatitis C can be treated with very effective antiviral medications, but there's currently no vaccine available. Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus.

Is hep C an STD?

Although not common, hepatitis C can be transmitted through sexual activity. Having a sexually transmitted infection, having sex with multiple partners, and engaging in anal sex appear to increase a person's risk for hepatitis C.

What are the early warning signs of Hep C?

SymptomsBleeding easily.Bruising easily.Fatigue.Poor appetite.Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice)Dark-colored urine.Itchy skin.Fluid buildup in your abdomen (ascites)More items...•

How did my wife get hep C?

Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily by exposure to blood containing the hepatitis C virus. Current research suggests that if you're in a long-term, monogamous relationship with a partner who has hepatitis C, your risk of contracting hepatitis C is quite low — unless you also have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

What does hep C pee look like?

Dark-colored urine can be a sign you're experiencing an acute hepatitis C infection. It might not develop right after your exposure, but you might notice it within one to three months post-exposure.

How did I get hep C if I don't do drugs?

Hepatitis C is spread only through exposure to an infected person's blood. High-risk activities include: Sharing drug use equipment. Anything involved with injecting street drugs, from syringes, to needles, to tourniquets, can have small amounts of blood on it that can transmit hepatitis C.

Can you have hep C and not give it to your partner?

If you or your partner has been diagnosed with hepatitis C, you don't have to swear off sex. Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact, and although certain sexual behaviors may increase the risk of hepatitis C, the virus is only rarely spread through sexual transmission.

How long after getting hep C do symptoms appear?

For people who develop symptoms, they usually happen 2–12 weeks after exposure to the hepatitis C virus and can include yellow skin or eyes, not wanting to eat, upset stomach, throwing up, stomach pain, fever, dark urine, light-colored stool, joint pain, and feeling tired.

How long does hep C take to show up?

The hepatitis C (HCV) window period is usually 4–10 weeks from the time of exposure. After 6 months , most people will have developed enough antibodies for an HCV test to detect. In rare cases, however, antibodies can take up to 9 months to develop.

Does hep C show up in routine blood tests?

Tests for hepatitis C are typically done in labs that perform routine blood work. A regular blood sample will be taken and analyzed. HCV antibodies shown in test results indicate the presence of the hepatitis C virus.

How long can you have hepatitis without knowing?

Symptoms: Many people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. If symptoms occur with an acute infection, they can appear anytime from 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure. Symptoms of chronic viral hepatitis can take decades to develop.

What is chronic hepatitis C?

Long-term infection with the hepatitis C virus is known as chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C is usually a "silent" infection for many years, until the virus damages the liver enough to cause the signs and symptoms of liver disease. Signs and symptoms include: Every chronic hepatitis C infection starts with an acute phase.

How does HCV spread?

The infection spreads when blood contaminated with the virus enters the bloodstream of an uninfected person. Globally, HCV exists in several distinct forms, known as genotypes. Seven distinct HCV genotypes and more than 67 subtypes have been identified. The most common HCV genotype in the United States is type 1.

What is the term for a long term infection of the liver?

Long-term infection with the hepatitis C virus is known as chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C is usually a "silent" infection for many years, until the virus damages the liver enough to cause the signs and symptoms of liver disease.

How many people with HCV don't know they have it?

Still, about half of people with HCV don't know they're infected, mainly because they have no symptoms, which can take decades to appear. For that reason, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults ages 18 to 79 years be screened for hepatitis C, even those without symptoms or known liver disease. The largest group at risk includes everyone born between 1945 and 1965 — a population five times more likely to be infected than those born in other years.

What is the most common form of liver cancer?

Liver cancer. Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver. The most common form of liver cancer begins in cells called hepatocytes and is called hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C infection that continues over many years can cause significant complications, such as: Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).

How often can you take hepatitis C medication?

That's changing. Today, chronic HCV is usually curable with oral medications taken every day for two to six months. Still, about half of people ...

Does hepatitis C become chronic?

Acute hepatitis C infection doesn't always become chronic. Some people clear HCV from their bodies after the acute phase, an outcome known as spontaneous viral clearance. In studies of people diagnosed with acute HCV, rates of spontaneous viral clearance have varied from 15% to 25%. Acute hepatitis C also responds well to antiviral therapy.

What is the most common way to get hepatitis C?

You share needles and other equipment (such as cotton, spoons, and water) used to inject illegal drugs. This is the most common way to get hepatitis C in the United States. You had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992.

Can you get hepatitis C from a sexual relationship?

The risk of getting hepatitis C through sexual contact is very small. The risk is higher if you have many sex partners. If you live with someone who has hepatitis C or you know someone who has hepatitis C, you generally don't need to worry about getting the disease from that person.

Can hepatitis C be transmitted to a baby?

This can happen if equipment isn't cleaned properly after it is used. In rare cases, a mother with hepatitis C spreads the virus to her baby at birth, or a health care work er is accidentally exposed to blood that is infected with hepatitis C. The risk of getting hepatitis C through sexual contact is very small.

What causes HCV?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a liver infection you can catch when the blood of an infected person enters your bloodstream. You can get HCV by:

What are some items that are contaminated with HCV+?

sharing personal items contaminated with HCV+ blood like nail clippers, razors or toothbrushes (or other items that may have come into contact with infected blood)

How do the symptoms of acute vs. chronic HCV differ?

Most people who have newly acquired HCV do not develop acute symptoms right after infection. However, some people may develop symptoms after 2 to 12 weeks, which can last 1 to 3 months, such as:

How long does it take for HCV to show up in your body?

Symptoms of chronic (long-term) HCV may not appear for 2 to 3 decades after infection, so the disease may develop silently in your body for many years. This is the reason you should be tested for HCV infection, to start treatment if needed and to help protect your liver from damage.

Can you get hepatitis C from eating?

Hepatitis C is not spread through food or water. You also don't get it from sharing food utensils, breastfeeding your baby, kissing, hugging, holding hands, coughing or sneezing.

Can hepatitis C cause liver cancer?

Chronic (long-term) hepatitis C can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and even death. If you eventually develop cirrhosis (a scarring disease of the liver), symptoms may include stomach swelling, easy bruising, trouble breathing, jaundice, and confusion.

What Do Hepatitis C Symptoms Look Like

Hepatitis C infection can go through two stages: acute and chronic. In the early, or acute stage, most people don’t have symptoms. If they do develop symptoms, these can include:

What Are The Side Effects Of Drug Treatment

Common side effects for some treatments for hepatitis C may include the following:

Cost Of Hepatitis C Medicines

The newer direct-acting antiviral medicines for hepatitis C can be costly. Most government and private health insurance prescription drug plans provide some coverage for these medicines. Talk with your doctor about your health insurance coverage for hepatitis C medicines.

How Common Is Hepatitis C In The United States

In the United States, hepatitis C is the most common chronic viral infection found in blood and spread through contact with blood.14

How Should I Take Care Of Myself If I Have Hepatitis C

Good health habits are essential for those who have hepatitis C. You should especially avoid alcohol and medicines and drugs that can put stress on the liver. You should eat a healthy diet and start exercising regularly. Your family doctor can help you plan a diet that is healthy and practical.

Contaminated Needles And Infected Blood

You can get hepatitis C from sharing contaminated needles, syringes and other injecting equipment during recreational drug use. Banknotes and straws used for snorting may also pass the virus on.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a silent disease, since, in most cases, the affected person is not aware of suffering from it. In fact, after the initial infection, approximately 80% of cases do not present symptoms, and those that appear are common to hepatitis A and B and usually remind of a common flu:

What causes hepatitis?

What is hepatitis? Common causes of hepatitis are viruses, infections, alcohol, drugs, toxins, and others. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can occur due to a variety of factors, but the most common cause is a virus infection.

What is hep E?

Hepatitis E (hep E) is a type of hepatitis viral infection that includes hepatitis A, B, C, D, F, which is caused by the hepatitis E virus. Usually, you get (transmitted) hepatitis E from eating or drinking dirty or contaminated water. Hepatitis E can be very serious, especially if a woman is pregnant.

How is viral hepatitis diagnosed?

The physician records the history of the patient and does a physical assessment.

What are the complications of viral hepatitis?

Hepatitis B, C, D can progress to chronic (long-term) hepatitis disease. Early diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle modification can slow or inhibit the progression of the disease and reduce complications. Complications include:

What is the term for a virus that infects the liver?

The term “hepatitis” refers to any inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a liver infection caused by the Hep C virus (HCV). The HCV virus infects the liver and leads to its inflammation. Hep C can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness.

How long does it take to recover from hep E?

It takes about 6 weeks to recover from hep E. A person who has any type of hepatitis, including hepatitis E, should not drink any alcohol. Hep E complications are rare, but when they do occur they include severe (“fulminant”) hepatitis, liver failure, and death.

How to cure hepatitis E?

Avoid alcohol, keep hydrated, and getting rest are home remedies for hepatitis E. Talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter (medications), especially those containing acetaminophen (Tylenol and others). Usually, the prognosis and life expectancy for hepatitis E after recovery is good.

What is the cause of hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that infects liver cells and causes inflammation. The inflammation can affect how your liver works and cause other signs and symptoms of hepatitis A.

How does hepatitis spread?

Here are some of the specific ways the hepatitis A virus can spread: Eating food handled by someone with the virus who doesn't thoroughly wash his or her hands after using the toilet. Drinking contaminated water. Eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage.

How to protect against hepatitis A?

Most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. Practicing good hygiene, including washing hands frequently, is one of the best ways to protect against hepatitis A. Vaccines are available for people most at risk.

How to prevent hepatitis A?

If you're traveling to parts of the world where hepatitis A outbreaks occur, take these steps to prevent infection: Peel and wash all fresh fruits and vegetables yourself. Don't eat raw or undercooked meat and fish. Drink bottled water and use it when brushing your teeth.

How long does it take for hepatitis A symptoms to show?

Symptoms. Hepatitis A signs and symptoms typically don't appear until you've had the virus for a few weeks. But not everyone with hepatitis A develops them. If you do, hepatitis signs and symptoms can include: Fatigue. Sudden nausea and vomiting.

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

• Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection spreads when blood contaminated with the virus enters the bloodstream of an uninfected person. Globally, HCV exists in several distinct forms, known as genotypes. Seven distinct HCV genotypes and more than 67 subtypes have been identified. The most common HCVgenotype in t...

See more on mayoclinic.org

Risk Factors

Complications

Prevention