What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis [HEP – uh – TIGHT – us] is a viral infection of the liver which had been referred to as parenterally transmitted “non A, non B hepatitis” until identification of the causative agent in 1989. HCV is found in the blood of persons who have this disease and is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. Ways of Transmission HCV is spread primarily by direct contact with human blood. Transmission through blood transfusions that are not screened for HCV infection, through the reuse of inadequately sterilized needles, syringes or other medical equipment, or through needle-sharing among drug-users, is well documented. Sexual and perinatal transmission may also occur, although less frequently.There is a very low chance of spreading HCV through sexual activity. Other modes of transmission such as social, cultural, and behavioural practices using percutaneous procedures (e.g.
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in an infected person’s blood. Hepatitis C is a serious disease. Many people may carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Infected people can develop liver damage, but do not necessarily feel sick. Even those who develop a persistent infection may not show symptoms until there is severe liver damage. In some cases, hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer over a period of 20 to 30 years.
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) which was discovered in 1989. The virus is composed of RNA (ribonucleic acid) surrounded by an envelope of carbohydrate and protein. Prior to 1989 many patients were diagnosed with “non-A, non-B hepatitis” since they had hepatitis that could not be characterized. We now know that ninety percent of patients with “non-A non-B” hepatitis actually had hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in an infected person’s blood. Hepatitis C is a serious disease. Many people may carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Infected people can develop liver damage, but do not necessarily feel sick. Even those who develop a persistent infection may not show symptoms until there is severe liver damage. In some cases, hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer over a period of 20 to 30 years. Q: How can you tell if someone is infected with Hepatitis C? A: Only with a blood test. A person can be Hepatitis C -infected for many years while looking and feeling healthy, with no signs at all of being sick. Q: Who is most likely to become infected with the hepatitis C virus? A: Anyone can be infected with the hepatitis C virus. However, people most likely to be infected with the hepatitis C virus include individuals who: (1.) had a blood transfusion and or receive
