Hepatitis c

Hepatitis C is a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. In time, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure.

Some people who get the infection have it for a short time (acute) and then get better. But most people who have it go on to develop a long-term (chronic) infection. Many people don't know that they have the virus until they already have some liver damage. This can take many years.

Treatment can usually cure hepatitis C.

Most people who are infected with hepatitis C—even people who have been infected for a while—usually don't have symptoms.

If symptoms do develop, they may include:

• Feeling very tired.
• Joint pain.
• Belly pain.
• Itchy skin.
• Sore muscles.
• Dark urine.
• Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice). Jaundice usually appears only after other symptoms have started to go away.

Most people go on to develop chronic hepatitis C but still don't have symptoms. This makes it common for people to have hepatitis C for 15 years or longer before it is diagnosed.

A blood test is used to diagnose hepatitis C. First, a hepatitis C (HCV) antibody test is done. This shows if a child has been exposed to this virus. If the test is positive (which means they have been exposed), then an HCV RNA blood test is done. This test shows if the child is infected with the hepatitis C virus now.

Children need to be tested for hepatitis C if they may have been exposed to infected blood. If the parent who gave birth to the child had hepatitis C, the child is usually tested at or after the age of 18 months. Testing is repeated after the child is 3 years old to find out if treatment is needed. Other children birthed by the same parent may need to be tested too.

If you have short-term (acute) hepatitis C, your doctor will probably prescribe medicine. In these cases, treatment may help prevent long-term (chronic) infection.

Treatment with antiviral medicines may cure long-term hepatitis C. Treatment may also prevent serious liver problems like cirrhosis or liver cancer. You will need to have routine blood tests. The tests will help your doctor know how well your liver is working.

Your doctor will prescribe different medicines if the first treatment didn't work well. If the infection gets worse, it can cause your liver to stop working. A liver transplant may be the only way to extend your life.

• Be safe with medicines. If your doctor prescribes antiviral medicine, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can damage the liver. Tell your doctor if you need help to quit. Counseling, support groups, and sometimes medicines can help you stay sober.
• Do not take drugs or herbal medicines. They can make liver problems worse.
• Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines you take. Some medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can make liver problems worse. Do not take any new medicines unless your doctor tells you to. This includes over-the-counter medicines.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get plenty of exercise if you feel up to it. Eat a healthy diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Get the vaccines (if you have not already) to protect yourself from hepatitis A and hepatitis B, influenza, and pneumococcus.
• Keep cool and stay out of the sun. The infection can make you itch. Try to wear cotton clothing. Talk to your doctor about medicines for itching. Follow the instructions on the label.
• If you feel depressed, talk to your doctor about treatment. Many people who have long-term illnesses get depressed. Keep in mind that antiviral medicine can make depression worse.