Hepatitis C: Symptoms
Infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus for which there is no vaccine and which commonly becomes chronic. Now the most common cause of cirrhosis in the United States.
Part of: Hepatitis C
About Hepatitis C Symptoms
Hepatitis C is a disease caused by a virus that infects your liver. Your liver is an important organ in your body. It removes harmful chemicals from your body, aids digestion, and processes vitamins and nutrients from food. The liver also makes chemicals that help your blood clot when you have a cut. You cannot live without a liver.
For some people with hepatitis C, the infection lasts only a short time and their body is able to get rid of the virus. However, most people infected with hepatitis C develop chronic hepatitis C. This is a long-term illness that happens when the hepatitis C virus stays in your body.
If you do not receive treatment, over time (20 to 30 years) the infection can damage your liver and make it not work properly. It can cause scarring on your liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.
There are six “genotypes” of hepatitis C—genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Which… Read more about Hepatitis C: Symptoms