Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and can lead to both acute and chronic infections. Chronic hepatitis C, if left untreated, can result in severe complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Hepatitis C is one of several types of viral hepatitis, alongside hepatitis A, B, and D. Each type is caused by a different virus and varies in transmission methods, symptoms, and long-term effects.

How Hepatitis C Is Transmitted
Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. You can become infected if blood from someone who has hepatitis C enters your body. Common routes of transmission include:

  • Needlestick or sharps injuries: Common in healthcare settings.
  • Exposure to open wounds: If blood from an infected person contacts a cut or sore on your skin.
  • Contact with mucous membranes: Such as the eyes or mouth, when exposed to infected blood.
  • Sharing needles or syringes: Often associated with injection drug use.
  • Blood transfusions or organ transplants: Before widespread screening of blood supplies, this was a common mode of transmission. Now, it is rare in countries with rigorous blood screening processes.

Other, Less Common Routes of Transmission

  • Mother-to-child transmission: During childbirth, though the risk is relatively low.
  • Sexual contact: Though less common, especially compared to hepatitis B, transmission can occur, particularly in cases involving rough sexual activity, the presence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or multiple partners.
  • Sharing personal items: Such as razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes contaminated with infected blood.

Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, sharing utensils, breastfeeding, or coughing and sneezing.

Types of Hepatitis C Infection

  1. Acute Hepatitis C:
    • A short-term infection occurring within the first six months after exposure to HCV.
    • Many individuals with acute hepatitis C are asymptomatic, but some may experience symptoms like fatigue, nausea, fever, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and abdominal pain.
    • In about 15–25% of cases, the immune system clears the virus without treatment.
  2. Chronic Hepatitis C:
    • Occurs when the virus persists in the body for more than six months.
    • Around 75–85% of those infected with HCV develop chronic infections, which can lead to long-term liver damage.

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