What happens to people infected with Hepatitic C?
Of every 100 persons infected with HCV about: • 85 persons may develop long-term infection. • Of those 85 … 70 persons may develop chronic liver disease, and • 15 persons may develop cirrhosis over a period of 20 to 30 years. • Of the 15 … 5 persons may die from the consequences of long term infection (liver cancer or cirrhosis). Q: What can persons with HCV infection do to protect their liver? A: • Stop drinking alcohol and don’t use street drugs. • See your doctor regularly. • Don’t begin taking any new medicines or using over-the-counter, herbal, and other preparations without a physician’s knowledge. • Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B Q: Are there other medical conditions associated with Hepatitic C? A: A small percentage of persons with chronic Hepatitic C develop medical conditions outside the liver (this is called extra hepatic). These conditions are thought to occur because of to the body’s natural immune system fighting against itself top of page How Is Hepatitic C
