Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by different viruses.
How is it transmitted?
Hepatitis C is transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood, during unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse.
It can also be transmitted through sharing equipment for preparing, injecting, or inhaling drugs or through the use of nonsterile tattooing and piercing equipment. Transmission can also occur during pregnancy and childbirth.
What are the symptoms?
Similar to hepatitis B, hepatitis C may have no symptoms, or symptoms may appear several months later:
If left untreated, hepatitis C can sometimes heal on its own, but it more often becomes chronic. When a person is a chronic carrier of hepatitis C, their risk of developing serious liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and cancer, increases.
Is it treatable?
Fortunately, treatment for hepatitis C is becoming more accessible. It is treated with oral tablets, which usually need to be taken for 8 to 12 weeks and have few side effects.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
The information on this website is presented for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subjects covered or to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. This information does not constitute medical consultations, diagnoses, or opinions, and should therefore not be interpreted as such. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your medical condition, medications, or treatment.
