Hepatitis C Symptoms-4u

 hepatitis C: hepatitis caused by a flavivirus that is usually transmitted by parenteral means (as injection of an illicit drug, blood transfusion, or exposure to blood or blood products
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Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C Symptoms

Hepatitis C (HCV) is one of six identified hepatitis viruses, the others are A, B, D, E and G. All cause the liver to become inflamed, which interferes with its ability to function. Hepatitis C is generally considered to be among the most serious of these viruses. The hepatitis C virus  is one of the most important causes of chronic liver disease in the United States. It accounts for about 15 percent of acute viral hepatitis, 60 to 70 percent of chronic hepatitis, and up to 50 percent of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and liver cancer. Almost 4 million Americans, or 1.8 percent of the U.S. population, have antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), indicating ongoing or previous infection with the virus. Hepatitis C causes an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 deaths annually in the United States.

Symptoms of  Hepatitis C may include:

No symptoms in its earliest stages but when it does, they're generally mild and resemble the flu and may include:

  • Nausea or poor appetite
  • Muscle and joint pains
  • Slight fatigue
  • Tenderness in the area of your liver

If you develop chronic hepatitis from the hepatitis C virus, you may have few, if any, symptoms. In many cases, symptoms may not appear for up to 30 years. Sometimes, though, you may experience one or more of the following:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Persistent or recurring yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Low-grade fever
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of appetite

Hepatitis C can cause damage to your liver even if you don't have symptoms. You're also able to pass the virus to others without having any symptoms yourself. That's why it's important to be tested if you think you've been exposed to hepatitis C or you engage in behavior that puts you at risk.

See your doctor if you think you may have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus, if you notice your skin or eyes turning yellow or if you have any other symptoms of hepatitis. Don't concern youreself about what others may think or keep you from getting medical care.

 

 

Hepatitis C Symptoms to H

 

 



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