Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infection that may not cause symptoms for extended periods. Screening is particularly important for this infection because of its insidious nature.
Thankfully, there are numerous options available to manage and treat this infection. It occurs as a result of the hepatitis C virus, otherwise known as HCV. This infection can lead to serious complications for patients, including damage to and swelling of the liver.
People of any age can come into contact with the hepatitis C virus. Several factors can create higher risk situations for patients, including:. Any exposure to the blood of someone who has been diagnosed with hepatitis C creates a risk for the infection to be transmitted.
How do you keepβ¦. Chronic hepatitis C, on the other hand, may also be symptomless for a long period, but symptoms will typically begin to appear after the liver has begun to sustain damage.
There are a range of symptoms, including:. Hepatitis C can also lead to liver scarring or cirrhosis. This typically occurs after many years of having the virus. Liver failure and cancer are also possible if the infection is left without treatment.
